Differences in total tooth extraction between an urban and a rural area in the Netherlands

Differences in total tooth loss between an urban and a rural area (dentist-patient ratio 1:2500 and 1:5700 respectively) have been studied. Patients who participated in this study were those who received total tooth extraction during the calendar yr 1982 (urban area) and 1983 (rural area). The overall dentist response was 90%, the combined patient response was 75%. During the year, in the urban area 137 cases of total tooth extraction were recorded; in the rural area this was 237. This frequency is equivalent to 109 and 226 total tooth extractions per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The age and sex distribution of the urban and rural population could not account for this difference. The rural population had a lower educational level and more people insured in a State Health Scheme, which is related to income. The frequency of symptomatic attenders was highest in the rural area among those who were insured in a State Health Scheme. It is concluded that differences in numbers of total extractions between the rural and urban areas cannot be explained entirely by differences in population characteristics.