Factors influencing the local planning of dental services

Abstract

Findings from a survey of 796 high school children in 4 districts constituting a health administrative area were examined to ascertain the factors influencing their dental disease experience, treatment received and attendance pattern. In 3 of the 4 districts, over 60% of the children were regular attenders, enjoying the benefit of less acitve caries than irregular attenders. In the remaining district, much of which consisted of depressed, inner city areas undergoing redevelopment, only 1/3 were regular attenders. Several local factors, such as availability and accessibility of services, probably influenced the numbers seeking regular care, but one of the most important appeared to be the level of provision in the salaried community dental service. The implications of the findings for planning improvements in local services are discussed.