Identifying local patterns of cross boundary flow and developing socio-economic profiles for general dental practitioners

Objectives The objective of this study was to assess cross-boundary flow in general dental practices in Dudley. Design Data were collected on NHS pati ents attending 57 general dental practitioners in Dudley Health District. S ocio-economic data were attached to recognised postcodes in order to establ ish district of residence of patients and the socio-economic (ACORN) status of the neighborhood in which they lived. Setting General dental practices in Dudley. Subjects General Dental Service patients. Results Using this met hodology a profile of the: patient population attending the participating p ractitioners was drawn up, giving an insight into patterns of dental attend ance. Conclusion These profiles will act as indicators of practices in whic h there are high levels of cross boundary flow and inform discussions on lo cal commissioning.