Provision of oral medicine in departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the UK: national postal questionnaire survey 2009

We investigated the current provision of oral medicine in oral and maxillofacial (OMF) departments in the UK. We examined the number of specialists in oral medicine in OMF departments, the training given to OMF consultants in oral medicine, and the estimated time dedicated to treating patients with oral medical conditions in outpatient clinics. We also examined the pattern and reasons for onward referrals to departments of oral medicine. A postal questionnaire was sent to 300 OMF consultants and was returned by 183 (61%). Sixteen (9%) of the responding consultants had a registered specialist qualification in oral medicine with the General Dental Council (GDC), 15 (8%) had a degree in oral medicine, and 4 (2%) had a diploma. One hundred and eighteen (64%) consultants had been given formal training in oral medicine during their training as registrars. Time dedicated to oral medicine in outpatient clinics varied between less than 20% and more than 40% of total outpatient time. Sixteen surgeons (9%) referred 1–2 patients/week to departments of oral medicine, and 19 (10%) referred 2–4/month. Reasons for referral included need for specialist expertise, failure of treatment, and lack of time in outpatients. The proposal for a dentally qualified consultant-led oral medicine service was supported by 70 responding surgeons (38%).