Co-ordination of the school and general dental services in Rochdale, England

The administrative process in the implementation of a scheme of co-operation between the school and general dental practitioner services to screen and treat children aged 14 years and above in an Area Health Authority is described. 84% of the target group were screened in periods amounting to 12 months. The uptake of treatment as assessed by return of notices of referral was only 1.5%. Interview of a sample of those referred revealed that 49% had been to a dentist within 6 months and of these 34% would not have otherwise attended. 13% had taken referral forms to practitioners. The implications of these findings are discussed and a more effective means of evaluating treatment uptake is proposed.