The purchaser-provider split in NHS care in the United Kingdom and the role of the community dental service in planning.

The former purchaser-provider split underwent an important change during the last years in UK. Especially since the new government came into office in 1997 the approach to equity and equality in dental health care has been characterised by two decisions. Firstly, the level of commissioning services was shifted from the centre to so-called natural communities of about 100,000 people. Secondly, the groups responsible for planning and providing care are constituted from local medical practitioners, community nurses and social services representatives, in line with the Regional Health Authority and the national framework "Our Healthier Nation". The new community dental service is expected to be in a better position to improve the situation in areas of social exclusion.