Audit on recording of tooth wear in primary dental care

To conduct an audit to improve the recording of tooth wear. All dentists working in Lanarkshire, Scotland were invited to participate in this audit. A data collection form using Excel spreadsheet was developed and rolled out to six groups of dentists. A number of key areas in patient records such as age, diagnosis, baseline records, advice and active treatment of tooth wear were reviewed. Data for the first round (R1) of audit were collected retrospectively by each dentist for 20 patients aged over 18. Results for R1 from the Excel spreadsheets were analysed and discussed by each group. The second round (R2) of audit was carried out prospectively, with results from the Excel spreadsheets analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the results from R1 and R2. A total of 88 dentists took part; with nearly 2000 patient records audited in each round. Comparison of data between R1 and R2 showed an increase of baseline records, including study models, photographs, Basic Erosive Wear Examination, from 17.5% (R1) to 62.8% (R2). Advice given by the dentist to decrease progress of tooth wear improved from 60.1% (R1) to 87.9% (R2). The audit was successful in improving the recording of tooth wear by dentists working in Lanarkshire, Scotland.