[Dental health concerns and advances in preventive dentistry in Great Britain].

Abstract

The structure, organisation and administration of the National Health Services in the UK including the General Dental Service, the Community Dental Service and the Hospital Service is being described, while emphasising that effective oral health promotion cannot be obtained within the limitations of current organised health services. It demands multidisciplinary and multidepartmental co-work which appears to be beyond traditionally based health services. Dental health education, preventive programmes, epidemiological surveys and dental screening are going to be the main working tasks within the Community Dental Service whereas most dental treatment should be carried out in General Dental Practice. The latter will, in the future, operate as a capitation system rather than fee-per-item system with respect to children. Dental health education, water fluoridation as well as the recommendation of fluoride supplements and attempts to reduce sugar intake are key factors in dental prevention in the UK. Some details are given.