The Use of Geographical Information Systems in Examining Variations in Sociodemographic Profiles of Dental Practice Catchments: A Case Study of a Swansea Practice

Abstract

AimThe aim of this paper is to use a case study approach to illustrate the potential for using geographical information systems (GIS) to examine the provision of dental services in the UK. A major benefit of using GIS to examine sociodemographic profiles of patients on a dental register is to inform policy makers.MethodWe illustrate the advantages of such an approach by using a post-coded list of registered patients for a dental practice in Swansea. To be of value in this context, the maintenance of up-to-date and fully postcoded information by practitioners is vital. We draw attention to the advantages (and current limitations) of using deprivation indices in conjunction with such lists.ResultGIS has significant potential in analysing patterns of registration, and utilisation, of such services but, to date, there has been a relative dearth of studies that have developed such systems.ConclusionWe conclude by drawing attention to wider benefits of such software tools in the dental profession and outline a research agenda to take these issues further.