The use of socio-demographic profiling of patients to monitor changes in the provision of care by the Community Dental Service.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the socio-demographic profile of patients using the Leeds Community Dental Service (CDS) in 1996/97 and to determine any changes in profile since 1991/92.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
The area served by Leeds Health Authority.


METHODS
A total of 8,051 patients who had used the Leeds CDS in 1996/97 together with 9,372 patients from 1991/92.


METHODS
Socio-demographic profile, including age group; ethnicity; deprivation (Townsend index) and disability.


RESULTS
Of children under 16 years old using the CDS in 1996/97, 24% were of South Asian ethnic origin, much higher than the 6% reported for Leeds in the 1991 census. Over the period of the study there was a reduction in the proportion of patients aged 5-15 years (75% to 65%, P < 0.001) and an increase in those aged 16-64 years (13% to 19%, P < 0.001). Increases were also seen in the proportion of patients from districts in the two most deprived quintiles (60% to 67%, P < 0.001) and for patients with special needs (19% to 28%, P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicated an increased emphasis by the CDS on targeting groups likely to be unable or unwilling to seek treatment from the GDS. Socio-demographic profiling can be useful in monitoring the progress of changes in primary dental care.
Prendergast
M J
MJ
Leeds Health Authority, UK. mike.prendergast@LH.leeds-ha.northy.nhs.uk
Beal
J F
JF
Clayton
J R
JR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003149:Community Dentistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012923:Social Class; D013218:State Dentistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*