Dental health, population size and the distribution of general dental practitioners in England.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the distribution of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in England in relation to the distribution of various indicators of dental health in the population.


METHODS
Simple graphical and statistical analyses using Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients linking Department of Health data on numbers of GDPs by health authority and previously undertaken survey data on dental health levels by health authority area.


METHODS
Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients of GDPs in relation to population and dental health.


RESULTS
The distribution of GDPs in relation to dental health levels of children and adults was found to be far more inequitable than implied by looking at population levels alone.


CONCLUSIONS
The results raise serious questions for all those concerned with reducing inequalities in dental health in England, and strengthens the case for an active manpower policy.
Buck
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Department of Dental Public Health and Oral Health Services Research, King's College, University of London, UK.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003815:Dentists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D004739:England; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D011156:Population Density; D013997:Time Factors; D000078329:Workforce