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McGrath C, Bedi R J Dent 2003; 31: 217–221

From a random sample of 2718 UK addresses, 1838 adult subjects were interviewed. Of these, 1/3 reported private treatment on their last dental visit, and most of the remainder, treatment under the NHS. A few had seen a work dentist, and 3 had never visited a dentist.

Private attenders had more teeth than NHS attenders (74% v. 67% had 20 or more), fewer complete dentures (11% v. 16%) and fewer wore dentures (17% v. 33%).

Logistic regression analysis showed that the principal factors related to patients attaining the WHO goal of 20 or more teeth with no dentures were age < 65 yrs, higher social class and being a regular attender. Social class, attaining the WHO goal and regular attendance were also significant factors associated with higher quality of life (QoL). Private attendance was not significantly associated with the WHO goal or QoL.