Introduction
There are several priority groups within the low income category who are likely to have unfavourable visiting patterns and a greater risk of oral disease. The reasons for poor visiting patterns are complex, but broad themes associated with income and affordability, social disadvantage, and inadequate public dental funding are key factors. There are many groups who find access difficult, and several of these are priority groups which have been identified in the Council’s Terms of Reference. For some of these groups, data are not available. To compensate for the lack of more detailed data, the Council has focused on broader population data, which is likely to include priority groups. Identifying groups which are likely to miss out on services is important in developing a long–term strategy as well as more short–term targeted proposals.