Dental patients asking for a second opinion: what oral problems do they have?

Abstract

The oral and dental problems of a group of 235 patients, who asked for a second opinion consultation, were surveyed. More than 80% of the group were regular dental attenders (once or more times a year); 70 patients were advised by their own dentist to visit the "second opinion" dentist. The oral problems were classified in eight categories. Most of the problems concern the condition of the oral cavity (20%), the urgency of certain treatments (18%), and the quality of care delivered by the own dentist (17%).