Comparison of decisions regarding prophylactic removal of mandibular thirdmolars in Sweden and Wales

Objective To test the hypothesis that Swedish dentists schedule more mandib ular third molars for prophylactic removal compared with UK dentists and or al surgeons. Design Clinical and radiographic information relating to a stratified sampl e of 36 disease-free mandibular third molars (equal distribution of males a nd females, patients' age, angular position and degree of impaction) was pr esented to 26 general dental practitioners (GDPs) and 10 oral surgeons in S weden and 18 GDPs and 10 oral surgeons in Wales who were asked to decide wh ether or not the third molars should be removed. Results There was no evidence of any difference in mean number of molars sc heduled for removal by the GDPs, but the Swedish oral surgeons scheduled si gnificantly more third molars for removal than oral surgeons in Wales. Conclusion The less interventionist approach among oral surgeons in the UK may reflect the development and application of authoritative guidelines in the UK and an extensive debate concerning appropriateness of prophylactic r emoval there.