Orthodontic outreach clinics--no marked advantages or disadvantages.
METHODS
Single centre randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Allocation of referred patients to outreach or main base consultation appointments.


METHODS
The outcome of consultation, the cost and duration of the visit and the carer/patient's perceptions of the visit.


RESULTS
There were no differences in outcome of the consultation. While consumer travel costs and the duration of appointments were significantly higher for the main base clinics, these differences were not great. However, consumers preferred to attend an appointment in an outreach clinic.


CONCLUSIONS
There do not appear to be marked advantages or disadvantages in providing consultation appointments for orthodontics in outreach clinics.
Lawrence
Alan
A
Evidence-based Dentistry Centre, Institute of Health Sciences, Oxford.