As a result of increasing concern over the use of artificial tanning units, many local government recreation departments are phasing out the use of sunbeds on their premises, resulting in some clients switching to high street parlours about which little is known. An Environmental Health survey was conducted in all 32 tanning premises within a local government area (Perth & Kinross, Scotland). A number of significant problems emerged in the private sector. In this group, there was no form of cumulative UV exposure control in 89% of premises and 81% failed to give adequate advice and information to customers. We conducted UV spectral irradiation measurements in 38 tanning units using a double grating spectroradiometer. When a carcinogenic weighting factor was applied to these measurements, it was found that a 10 min exposure in a high intensity stand-up cabinet carried the same carcinogenic risk as approximately 30 min of local (56 degrees North) mid-day summer sunlight or 10 min of Mediterranean sunlight at mid-day. A questionnaire completed by 57 customers revealed a wide pattern of usage; 6 (10%) had more than 20 h exposure in the previous 12 months and 3 (5%) had made regular use of sunbeds for the previous 16 to 20 years. These results indicate that there is a need for continuing public education and surveillance of commercial artificial tanning units.
Cost efficiency of removing third molars in a practice specialising in minor oral surgery was compared to that of a hospital oral surgery department. A total of 100 patients treated in each locality were prospectively audited during the financial year 1989-90. Surgical complexity, waiting time, complications and patient satisfaction were compared. The hospital cases were costed individually and compared to fees received for the patients treated in the practice. The practice fees were also compared to average expenses as assessed by the Dental Rates Study Group Inland Revenue Enquiry. Patients were treated more promptly and at a lower cost in the specialist practice with no adverse effect on quality as assessed by complications and patient satisfaction. Surgical complexity was not a contraindication to practice treatment but some patients may be better treated in hospital because of medical or social circumstances. Patient charges for treatment carried out under General Dental Service regulations are a serious impediment to the viability of a specialist oral surgery practice.
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