D Buck1. 1. Department of Dental Public Health and Oral Health Services Research, King's College, University of London, UK.
Abstract
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. RESEARCH DESIGN: 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. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.
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. RESEARCH DESIGN: 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. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.