How do minor oral surgery courses impact the confidence levels of general dental practitioners?

Introduction There is set to be a change in the way that oral surgery will be delivered with the introduction of managed clinical networks. The changes may require general dental practitioners (GDPs) to carry out more minor oral surgery in primary care.Aim To determine the effectiveness of courses on GDPs carrying minor oral surgery in primary care.Method Forty general dental practitioners attending a hands-on oral surgery course were surveyed regarding their understanding, knowledge and confidence in oral surgery skills. The same survey was circulated at the start and end of the course.Results All delegates reported an improvement post-course in their skills and knowledge. Overall, 40% of delegates felt relatively confident or very confident in tooth sectioning and bone removal, compared to 91% having little confidence before the course. Furthermore, 87% and 68% of the delegates felt relatively confident or very confident in suturing and raising a mucoperiosteal flap, respectively, by the end of the course.Conclusion Minor oral surgery courses can lead to an increase in skills, knowledge and confidence among GDPs. These courses are likely to be better supplemented in conjunction with refresher courses and mentoring. Barriers, however, remain to increasing minor oral surgery provision in primary care, including equipment availability and patient choice.