Evaluation of an intermediate minor oral surgery service in Plymouth, England and implications for future commissioning

TL;DR

This paper evaluates a new oral surgery service in Plymouth, showing it meets quality standards and could improve patient access and NHS efficiency.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness and efficiency of a primary-care based oral surgery service in England.

Findings

89% of patients received treatment within 63 days, meeting national standards.

Dento-alveolar surgery made up 82% of treatments, with a 4% re-attendance rate for complications.

Cost per case ranged from £138–196, suggesting efficient resource use.

Abstract

To evaluate a new primary-care based oral surgery service in Plymouth, England using Maxwells’ Dimensions of Quality framework.

A retrospective observational study of referral, service and treatment outcome data.

Over a 35-month period the service received 1165 referrals, with 89% of patients referred receiving treatment within 63 days. Treatment provided was predominantly dento-alevolar surgery accounting for 82% of treatment provided, and soft tissue lesions accounting for 17%. The re-attendance rate for complications was 4%, and antibiotic use was 2%. Sedation was required for 17% of treatment cases. Cost analysis indicated a cost per case of between £138–196.

The service meets the national clinical standards in oral surgery. High ongoing demand for referral of medium-complexity oral surgery cases from primary dental care to specialist providers/services is likely to continue. The opportunity to develop more primary care capacity has the potential to improve accessibility and convenience for patients and optimise use of NHS resources.

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