Human papillomavirus self-sampling is part of the revised Australian National Cervical Screening Program for eligible under- or never-screened women. Although research demonstrates self-sampling as an acceptable method from the perspective of women, little is known about GP experiences and perspectives of this new screening alternative. This study sought to explore the experiences and perspectives of rural GPs towards the revised National Cervical Screening Program and the new self-sampling option. Semistructured qualitative interviews were completed with 12 GPs in central west New South Wales. The study found that GPs had limited experience facilitating self-sampling. The limited provision of education, difficulty accessing testing kits, poor availability of accredited laboratories and unclear rebate guidelines hindered their capacity to offer self-sampling. GPs reported uncertainty around patient eligibility and the quality of self-collected samples. GPs explained that self-sampling could increase cervical screening participation among some women, but because it is only available to complete in a general practice, it would not benefit those who are disengaged from health services. Despite GPs’ limited experience with facilitating self-sampling to date, they were optimistic about potential increases in cervical screening rates. Clearer articulation of specific program details and the evidence underpinning the program changes would reduce clinician uncertainty regarding the practicalities of how to incorporate patient-collected sampling into their daily practice, as well as the quality of patient-collected samples compared with clinician-collected samples. GPs must also be supported at a systems level to ensure there are processes in place to enable easy access to kits, laboratories, Medicare rebates and relevant support.

Clinical appearance of normal gingival tissue in part reflects the underlying structure of epithelium and lamina propria. It has been described that particular shape, topographical distribution, and width of gingival are clearly functions of presence and position of erupted teeth. Moreover, tooth shape seems to have an important impact on the clinical features of surrounding gingiva and probably also underlying tooth-supporting periodontal tissue. The thickness of masticatory mucosa was studied in a descriptive manner by conventional histology on cadaver jaws. Others assessed the mucosal thickness in edentulous patients using invasive method of injection needle, macroscopic measurement of histologic sections, a graduated periodontal probe or cephalometric radiographs. Noninvasive methods were performed with ultrasonic devices. A-mode ultrasonic device was used to measure tissue thickness in edentulous patients. B-mode was used to visualize soft and hard tissue relationships while also measuring soft tissue thickness. Among the various macroscopic features of gingiva, the gingival thickness (GT) is least discussed and not mentioned in the standard textbooks and journals. There are few terminologies which are not well defined in periodontal literature like periodontal phenotype, gingival phenotype, gingival architecture, gingival morphology, and GT; hence, this review article will put some light on these terminologies and literature review related to the clinical importance and relevance on masticatory mucosa thickness, chiefly on palatal mucosa and gingiva.

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