A strategy for the profession and trade to deal with the changing dental environment.

A former plan purchaser who is now the owner of a dental laboratory explains how dental benefits have been frequently introduced as supplements to medical benefits programs by large carriers. This has created a "knowledge gap" regarding the effects of underfunding and restriction of choice on the oral health of Americans. The dental profession and the dental industry should embark on a program to supply the information upon which patients and employers can make sound decisions.