Regional Variation in the Provision of Orthodontic Treatment by the Hospital Services in England and Wales

Abstract

The regional variation in hospital orthodontic manpower, referral rate, and hospital treatment rate for the 5–15-year-old population was calculated, a marked regional variation was evident. In addition, relevant data from the Consultant Orthodontist Survey of 1985 was also analysed on a regional basis, in order to evaluate any interactions between the above variables and the type of treatment provided, the proportion of referred patients accepted, and treatment priority of patients referred. It was found that the hospital treatment rate was related to the referral rate, no other relevant significant correlations between the variables were detected. Possible explanations are discussed.