Dentists in the RSA, 1972 and 1982. A study of geographic spread and dentist to population ratios.

Using data available for 1972 and 1982, the geographic spread o f dentists in the RSA, and dentist to pohdation ratios were studied. In general the numbers o f dentists per magisterial district have increased but only 5 per cent o f dentists are in rural districts (population <10 000). Dentist to population ratios decreased irregularly over the 10 year period, more in urban than in rural districts. An estimate was made o f dentist to population ratios o f regular attenders fo r dental care. This indicated that in urban areas the ratio could be as low as 1:299. The study has shown that there is a maldistribution o f dentists and that there is inadequate information on which to predict future trends. OPSOMMING