The contribution by medical radiology departments to dental radiology in general dental practice in Scotland

Aim: To determine the availability of the services of medical radiology departments to general dental practitioners in Scotland. Methods: Fifty-seven hospitals were identified as likely to have services available to general dental practitioners; 41 were within central urbanised areas (the 'Central Belt') and 16 in the more remote rural areas, (the 'Borders, Highlands and Islands'). The available services were identified by questionnaire. Results: All 57 questionnaires were returned. Although there were significantly fewer larger hospitals in the 'Borders, Highlands and Islands', there was no significant difference in availability of services to general dental practitioners between the two parts of Scotland, Conclusion: The services of medical radiology departments are generally available to general dental practitioners in both the 'Central Belt' and the 'Borders, Highlands and Islands'.