The changing role of the dentist.

This paper considers some of the specific factors which have changed the role of the dentist in a historical context. The impact of post-war developments on postgraduate education, the Nuffield Inquiry of 1980 and the Dental Strategy Review Group are examined. The broader scope of the dentist and dental auxiliaries in general dental practice in the light of changes in disease patterns is described. The benefits to patient care of involving the general dental practitioner and the dental team in primary care services are emphasised. There is a need to educate and train all health care professionals together to promote multidisciplinary teamwork in clinical practice. Change is inevitable but is to be welcomed more than feared.