Availability of hospital dental care services under sedation or general anesthesia for individuals with special needs in the Unified Health System for the State of Minas Gerais (SUS-MG), Brazil.

This study identified the demographic characteristics of individuals and dental treatment care under sedation/general anesthesia in a hospital environment in the Unified Health System in the State of Minas Gerais (SUS-MG). All Hospitalization Authorizations (AIHs) for Dental Treatment for Patients with Special Needs procedures were evaluated between July 2011 and June 2012. Demographic and health care variables for treatment were also assessed. Hospitalization rates per 10,000 inhabitants, and health care coverage provided in the state of Minas Gerais and in each of the Broader Health Regions were calculated. Descriptive analysis of data was carried out by calculating the central trend and variability frequency and measurements. All 1,063 AIHs paid during the study period were evaluated, which is equivalent to a rate of 0.54 hospitalizations per 10,000 individuals. The majority of the patients were adult, male, diagnosed with mental or behavioral disorders and resident in 27.7% of the municipalities in Minas Gerais. The procedures were performed in 39 municipalities and the care coverage was equal to 1.58%. The study reveals a classic demographic and clinical profile of patient attendance. Difficulties in establishing a network of dental care were identified.

Regional variation in the provision of orthodontic treatment by the hospital services in England and Wales.

The regional variation in hospital orthodontic manpower, referral rate, and hospital treatment rate for the 5-15-year-old population was calculated, a marked regional variation was evident. In addition, relevant data from the Consultant Orthodontist Survey of 1985 was also analysed on a regional basis, in order to evaluate any interactions between the above variables and the type of treatment provided, the proportion of referred patients accepted, and treatment priority of patients referred. It was found that the hospital treatment rate was related to the referral rate, no other relevant significant correlations between the variables were detected. Possible explanations are discussed.