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Dr. Naomi Barton

Dr. Naomi Barton

St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Dr. Naomi Barton, a King’s College London dentistry graduate (2023), has gained diverse clinical experience across oral surgery, orthodontics, paediatric, and general dentistry. She completed her Foundation Training in London and is now a Dental Core Trainee at a tertiary hospital. With an MFDS from the Royal College of Surgeons of England and a research background linking periodontal and systemic health, Dr. Barton combines clinical excellence with a passion for advancing patient care.

United Kingdom

Abstracts

2025

Evaluating compliance with national guidelines for impacted maxillary canine referrals: Findings from a retrospective audit at a London teaching hospital

Objective:
To evaluate compliance with national guidelines on referral timing and radiographic assessment of patients with impacted maxillary canines referred to St George’s Hospital Orthodontic Department.

Design and Setting:
Retrospective, single-centre audit on Orthodontic New Patient Clinics at St George’s Hospital, London. The first audit cycle reviewed referrals from January to March 2025; a second cycle is planned for June to August 2025.

Gold standard:
Referrals should occur by age 12 (Royal College of Surgeons of England), with radiographs from age 10 (British Orthodontic Society Guidelines).

Methods:
All referrals for impacted canines during the study period were analysed. Data included patient age at referral, clinical assessment, radiographic evaluation, and evidence of pathology.

Results:
Impacted canines accounted for 27.4% (40/146) of new patient referrals. Only 15% were referred by the recommended age, with a mean referral age of 15.1 years. Radiographs accompanied 97.5% of referrals, with the mean age at imaging of 13.95 years. Evidence of damage to adjacent structures was identified in 36% of patients.

Conclusions:
Referral and imaging practices do not align with guidelines. Educational initiatives will be implemented, followed by a reaudit to assess improvement.

Clinical Implications:
Raising awareness may promote earlier diagnosis and intervention, improving patient outcomes.