title: Identifying local patterns of cross boundary flow and developing socio-economic profiles for general dental practitioners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to assess cross-boundary flow in general dental practices in Dudley.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected on NHS patients attending 57 general dental practitioners in Dudley Health District. Socio-economic data were attached to recognised postcodes in order to establish district of residence of patients and the socio-economic (ACORN) status of the neighbourhood in which they lived.
  
  
  METHODS
  General dental practices in Dudley.
  
  
  METHODS
  General Dental Service patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using this methodology a profile of the patient population attending the participating practitioners was drawn up, giving an insight into patterns of dental attendance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These profiles will act as indicators of practices in which there are high levels of cross boundary flow and inform discussions on local commissioning.
authors: M M
authors: MM
authors: Gray
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Walker
authors: D
authors: D
authors: White
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012923:Social Class; D013218:State Dentistry / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population