Professionals complementary to dentistry: the expanding role of PCDs

The role of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry is increasing in importance as new ways of exploring dental service provision are considered. Skill-mix and team-building are not just buzzwords, but signify the new view of a multidisciplinary approach in healthcare. Since the Nuffield and DARG reports of the last decade urged consideration of manpower issues within dentistry, the ensuing change from often small, single-handed practice, to larger team approaches has resulted in significant changes in service delivery. It is unsurprising that the bewildered practitioner can become lost in the mire of proposed new regulations. Outlining the current developments in the expanding role of PCDs, this paper illustrates the dynamic nature of the changes.