The National Health Service and social inequalities in dental health.

Since establishment of the NHS, remarkable improvements in oral health have been seen. Social differences still remain, but in absolute terms they are far smaller than those which existed prior to creation of the service. Although the improvements have not been unique to the UK, and in consequence may not be entirely ascribed to the NHS, the overall costs to society have been remarkably small when compared with other countries. Furthermore other inequities that existed, such as the availability of services, appear to be less pronounced today than before. The NHS, established as one component of a welfare system to deal with the inequalities within society, has evolved over the last 50 years to remain a highly efficient mechanism to deal with oral health problems. The arguments for maintaining dental services within the NHS must be based upon the contribution they make to improving oral health. Judged on the past 50 years, it has helped to make major inroads into reducing the current inequalities. For the next 50 years, as the service adapts, the profession must remember that it is there for those with least resources not just those with the ability to pay.