The UK Panch Gam Patidar community and dentistry: a postal questionnaire study

A postal questionnaire investigated the dental experiences, awareness of dental problems and attitudes to teeth of 192 individuals from 77 households of the United Kingdom Panch Gam Patidar community. Most were self-employed or in social classes I, II or IIIN. More people had attended the dentist in the United Kingdom (86.5 per cent) than in their last country of residence (49.0 per cent). Just over half in both countries attended mainly when in trouble with teeth or gums; 74.0 per cent felt they will keep some of their natural teeth for the rest of their lives, and 73 per cent would be upset at losing all their natural teeth. The Patidar community had received less fillings or extractions than other United Kingdom adults. Edentulousness was only 4.2 per cent compared with the 30 per cent UK norm. The felt need for care was relatively less compared with the UK adult population.