Inequality in uptake of orthodontic services

Key Points As of 1 April 2006, PCTs have the responsibility for commissioning a reasonable level of NHS dental services. PCTs should assess local needs and plan services accordingly. Traditionally dentists and orthodontists have set up practice where demand rather than need is greatest, which has led to inequalities in access to services. This paper describes orthodontic service use, which is in part related to access, across five geographically linked PCTs. Uptake of services was found to be related to deprivation and rurality. PCTs need to ensure that children from deprived and rural communities have adequate access to all primary care dental services to reduce inequalities.