Allies in dental health.

Groups and individuals within the community, for a variety of reasons, have difficulty in attaining and maintaining oral health and in obtaining needed oral health care. Dentists themselves have limited opportunities for reaching these people. There are, however, occupational groups in frequent contact with them, able to influence their oral health positively and to facilitate the obtaining of treatment. Better liaison with these groups, and utilisation of their networks, will be an effective means of oral health promotion.