Sir, in the opinion column of BDJ 2004, 197: 517, your predecessor speculates on the effectiveness of Clinical Audit (CA)/Peer Review (PR). His feelings are, I suspect, shared by many, that the benefits are uncertain and that the usefulness of the entire process is at best unquantifiable. He asks if there is anyone able to offer more than a guesstimate of the value of the procedure. Southend-on-Sea PCT has made an effort over the last two years to help local practitioners make the process of CA/PR easier and more rewarding.

We two GDPs have worked with and for the PCT over that time and have tried to justify our title as Facilitators by arranging group audits for any and all dentists across the PCT as part of a Modernisation Agency field site programme. So far we have completed a baseline audit of general practice and an audit into antibiotic prescribing, both have produced interesting results. These have then been the subject of post audit peer review sessions allowing discussion of audit results by participants, any changes that need to be made in the light of these results and how these changes may be facilitated.

For example educational needs that manifest as a result of an audit can be fed into the local Deanery postgraduate educational programme. Currently we are analysing data from an audit into periodontal risk management. Many of Southend's dentists will thus soon complete their fifteen hours of required audit with two years to spare. The whole process has been well received, well supported and participants seem to find it more enjoyable as part of a larger group. We expect to publish progress1 and results over the course of the next year and hope that others will find these results relevant and interesting. We are happy to share our experience. Anyone interested in repeating the process elsewhere is welcome to enquire. In relation to the original musing of the former editor, we propose to carry out a cost/benefit analysis of the whole procedure, thereby (we hope) demonstrating that this group approach is both more use to the individual dentist and potentially a more cost effective process than the existing GDS system. Any enquiries should be directed to Sarah Costeloe, Southend PCT, Harcourt House, Harcourt Avenue, Southend on Sea, SS2 6HE or email: sarah.costeloe@southend-pct.nhs.uk