Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Inequality in uptake of orthodontic services
C S Drugan1, S Hamilton, H Naqvi
1Public Health Directorate, Bristol Primary Care Trusts, King Square House, King Square, Bristol, UK. caroline.drugan@btinternet.com
Objective:
The purpose of this ecological study was to investigate the relationship between uptake of orthodontic services and factors that might influence receipt of care at a population level.
Method:
The dental practice board supplied data on claims for courses of active orthodontic treatment from April 2001 to March 2002 for children from the former county of Avon. These data were analysed in relation to deprivation, living in an urban/rural setting and the proportion of the population from a black or minority ethnic group (BME).
Results:
In Avon, children from deprived and rural areas were significantly less likely to be undergoing an active course of orthodontic treatment. Children from an area with a high proportion BME were significantly more likely to be undergoing treatment.
Conclusion:
This research demonstrates that children from more deprived and rural communities in Avon are less likely to receive orthodontic treatment. This has important policy implications for primary care trusts that have a responsibility to ensure equal access to care for all of their children.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...