Applying the NHS restorative dentistry index of treatment need to clinical decision-making in Saudi Arabia

Objective: Making appropriate referrals for patients with complex restorative needs can be challenging. The NHS Restorative Dentistry Index of Treatment Need (IOTN) is an important guideline and tool that helps to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of restorative dental care for their needs. The objective of this study was to test, via structured training, the usability and utility of the IOTN as a screening tool for referral and management of patients attending [King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD)], Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this prospective, interventional study, one hundred and fourteen participants (38 sixth-year dental students, 44 interns, and 32 general dentists) were equally and randomly assigned to either receive training on the IOTN or no training. Then, participants were provided with clinical and radiographic records for six cases and asked to make management and referral decisions recorded on a questionnaire. Results: The group receiving training on the IOTN more accurately classified cases into different levels of complexity and specialty and more frequently made correct management and referral decisions for complexity levels 2 and 3 cases than the untrained group. There was no difference between the trained and untrained groups for complexity level 1 cases. Conclusion: Training general dentists to use the NHS IOTN improved referral and management decision skills.