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Sammanfattning

The aim of this study was to investigate whether private dental specialists within the following specialities have spare capacity: periodontics, endodontics and prosthodontics. The data collection was carried out using a web-based questionnaire. The study population was obtained from the membership register of the Norwegian Dental Association. Specialists without a registered e-mail address and those employed in the universities were excluded from the population. The population then comprised 60 periodontists, 45 prosthodontists and 47 endodontists. The response rates were 58 %, 64 % and 60 % respectively. An analysis of the non-responders showed that the sample was not skrewed according to gender, age, specialization or place of residence. Twenty-two per cent of the prosthodontists treated only prosthetic patients in their practice. The remaining 78 % ran a combined practice in which they treated both prosthetic patients and patients needing other treatment. Fifty per cent of periodontists and 52 % of endodontists treated only patients within their speciality. Forty-six per cent of prosthodontists wanted more patients within their speciality, compared to 34 % of periodontists and 22 % of endodontists. All the three types of specialists had short waiting times for an appointment. Waiting time was one month or less for near 70 % of prosthodontists and endodontists and for about 40 % of the periodontists. The study shows that dental specialists, particularly prosthodontists, have spare capacity. The national health authorities wish to increase the number of specialists being trained. The results of this study indicate that it is more appropriate to reduce the number.

MeSH