Why might patients in the UK consult a general medical practitioner when experiencing dental problems? A literature review of patients' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: to systematically appraise and synthesise the existing evidence regarding the reasons why patients in the UK may consult a general medical practitioner (GMP) when experiencing a dental problem.

BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: a systematic review of the scientific and grey literature published between 1996 and 2017.

PARTICIPANTS: dental service users (adults or children) from the UK and/or their carers who were seeking, or had sought, care for a dental problem from a GMP.

MAIN OUTCOMES: patients' perspectives on reasons for consulting a GMP were qualitatively synthesised according to Levesque et al.'s conceptual framework of access to health care.

RESULTS: Out of 1,232 references screened, 2 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. They identified the following factors that can influence care-seeking for dental problems: patients' interpretation of their symptoms; their understanding of practitioners' scope of practice; the availability of timely dental care; and the affordability of care. Both studies had weaknesses with regard to either their conduct and/or reporting.

CONCLUSIONS: Choice of practitioner for dental problems is likely to be influenced by both the beliefs and attitudes of the individual patient and the organisation and attributes of the providers of dental and medical care. However, in light of the quality of the existing evidence base, there is a need for high-quality studies exploring the reasons why patients in the UK may seek care from a GMP when experiencing dental problems.