An evaluation of practice leaflets provided by general dental practitioners working in multi-racial areas.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of information leaflets produced by NHS dental practices based in high density multi-racial areas within the city of Birmingham.

METHOD

All of the 41 general dental practices based in ten Birmingham electoral wards with high concentrations of ethnic minorities were approached for a copy of their practice leaflet. Each leaflet was assessed in terms of: 1. overall presentation, 2. general information, and 3. information specifically relevant to the ethnic minorities.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight per cent (32) of practices currently produce information leaflets. Compliance with specific NHS regulations ranged from 3% to 97%; 41% (13) of leaflets had one or more sections written in a minority language. Although ethnic minority languages were spoken by staff in three-quarters of the practices, less than one third specified this. Only one leaflet contained information on arrangements for non-English speaking patients.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations are made concerning the quality and content of practice leaflets for practices based in high density multi-racial areas.