The use of a geographical information system in investigating dental services

Objective To determine the value of a geographical information system (GIS) in investigating the provision of dental care. Design Information about dental need and provision of dental services was obtained from districts within the West Midlands. A Geographical Information System (Atlas GIS(TM)) was used to answer three different questions about dental services provision within the West Midlands. A GIS is an interactive system that allows data to be analysed according to regular or irregular geographical areas. Once the system is established, it is fairly simple and quick to use. However, the financial and training issues mean that it may not be viable for such a system to be available within each health trust or district, but more appropriately as a central facility which can be accessed by several users. Case studies The way in which this system was used to answer three different questions about dental service provision within the West Midlands is demonstrated and evaluated. Conclusions Use of a GIS presents information in a way that increases its usefulness in the planning of dental services.