Follow-Up Survey on Challenges in Delivering Endodontic Treatment in NHS Primary Dental Care Settings in Scotland

Abstract

Abstract: Endodontics, a specialized field within dentistry, is dedicated to diagnosing, preventing and treating conditions affecting the dental pulp and root canal system of teeth. A common procedure within endodontics is root canal therapy, which involves removing infected or damaged pulp, thoroughly disinfecting the root, and then sealing it to prevent further infection.(Ng, Mann, & Gulabivala, 2010) The primary goal of the NHS in dentistry is to promote and protect the health of the population it serves. This includes preserving natural teeth and controlling infections whenever possible(Steele, 2009). Preserving natural teeth aligned with broader health goals such as improving overall oral health, maintaining proper chewing function, preserving aesthetics, and enhancing the quality of life for patients. It also helps prevent serious dental problems arising from tooth loss, such as bone resorption in the jaw, shifting of adjacent teeth, and potential impacts on speech and nutrition. Additionally, maintaining natural teeth can be more cost-effective in the long term compared to tooth replacement options such as dental implants bridges(Fejerskov, Escobar, Jøssing, & Baelum, 2013). Previous research has highlighted significant financial and systemic barriers to delivering optimal endodontic treatment within NHS primary dental care settings. A notable issue is the gap between the compensation received by dental professionals and the costs associated with providing these treatments, which poses challenges for practitioners and raises concerns about equitable access to quality dental care(Khamuani, Ross, & Robertson, 2022; McColl, Smith, Whitworth, Seccombe, & Steele, 1999). This follow-up research aims to investigate the impact of the newly implemented remuneration system on the provision of endodontic care within NHS primary dental care settings in Scotland. The objectives of this study are to assess the impact of the new remuneration system on barriers faced by dental practitioners and to investigate specific challenges in adapting to this system, exploring how these challenges affect the ability to provide optimal endodontic care.