March 2009

Objectives: To identify likely future trends in recruitment of consultant anaesthetists to the ambulatory dental general anaesthetic (DGA) services. Participants: The sample consisted of all anaesthetic specialist registrars (SpRs) in their final year of training, within Mersey and South-Western Deaneries in the UK. Research Design: A questionnaire divided into a quantitative section to establish level of training in ambulatory DGA, and a qualitative section designed to elicit opinions and attitudes towards ambulatory DGA services. Results: The response rate was 75% (27/36). Within both regions 81% (22/27) had received practical training in ambulatory DGA procedures. SpRs in the South-Western Deanery held the greatest misgivings about the ambulatory DGA technique. Once appointed to Consultant position only 11% (3/27) of respondents expressed a definite interest in providing ambulatory DGA services. Conclusions: Within the Northwest and Southwest of England, most specialist registrars in anaesthetics receive training in ambulatory DGA, although their future commitment to the delivery of these services is questionable. Key Words: Dental epidemiology, general anaesthetics, primary dental care.