Clinical Continued »
significant knowledge about the problem (Harris 20ı2). Against this background, the last decade
has seen some of the most significant changes in dental care in Ireland. During the recession, cutbacks severely effected ı.2 million medical card holders. Those seeking the most basic provision for gum disease care, i.e. a scale and polish, had to have prior approval by the HSE. Only a small minority – about 2 per cent – were approved for this or more protracted periodontal treatment (HSE Inspector’s Report). It does not seem likely that this untreated
cohort have remained unscathed and disease free. In the current environment, dentists
should be cognisant of the presence of the disease, as early diagnosis and appropriate intervention is crucial. Undiagnosed and untreated periodontal disease is one of the fastest growing areas of litigation and complaints in dentistry. The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland says that 38 per cent of their claims are for undi- agnosed gum disease, the other defence associations have similar figures. In terms of values, periodontal claims accounted for some of the top payouts – 44.7 per cent (DPL 20ı5). The most common allegation is that the patient was unaware of the presence of
Population boom
SOURCE: CSO POPULATION AND LABOUR FORCE PROJECTIONS, 20I6-2046
projected Irish population by 2046
860,700 484,000 128,000
periodontal disease, or that the extent and implications of their periodontal problems had not been explained to them. This can occur when a patient sees a new dentist for the first time. This may be as a result of the retirement of a previous dentist, or simply because the dentist has left the practice. Sometimes the patient attends a different dentist in an emergency situation. On other occasions, of course, a patient will
Number of over 65-year olds by 2026 Number of 80-year olds in 2046
Number of 80-year olds in 2011
seek a second opinion because they already have concerns about the treatment being provided for them by their existing dentist. Periodontal disease is, of course, only
one aspect of oral health and oral diseases. It doesn’t only impact on the individual through pain and discomfort. There is the broader impact on their general health and
Continued » Diabetes: bad news for periodontal health
3.7m 422m
Deaths caused by diabetes 1.5m SOURCE: WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION Ireland’s Dental magazine 41
adults have diabetes, that’s 1 person in 11
Deaths due to diabetes and high blood glucose
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