However, only 6627 were born within the accepted date range and had sex recorded on the data sheet. 2708 Table 1. The methodology of the study involves merging of two data bases compiled for different reasons by different organisations. Attendance will be underestimated due to subjects moving between health boards, changes of name, and errors in recording. These latter may well contain children who would have attended if disease had developed or caused pain.
Deprivation has a large and continuing effect on attendance patterns.
Figure 3 . The manner of first attendance of children to the GDS is a valuable indicator regarding the subsequent health of their deciduous teeth. Non-attendance and, particularly, weighed entry into the system are associated with higher disease levels. Deprivation is linked to late attendance and weighted entry. Children from the poorest areas in mainland Scotland are less likely to attend, either early or with their dentition in a generally health state.