A study of the availability of emergency dental services in Birmingham.

The study reported here was undertaken to ascertain the efficiency and adequacy of the Emergency Dental Services in Birmingham. Even after the inception of the new contract in 1990, too many registered patients appeared to be attending the Birmingham hospitals or contacting their doctors for dental treatment which could and should have been provided by their own dentist. Overall, the results showed that the service provided by Birmingham dentists before 10.30 p.m. is more than adequate, and that most dentists are acting in accordance with the FHSA guidelines relating to the new contract.