Dental public health: the "big picture" specialty

The specialty of dental public health is focused on improving oral health in the aggregate. Its principal tools include assessment, policy development, and assurance of effective outcomes. Although there are fewer than 200 active diplomates of the American Board of Dental Public Health, the effect of this specialty is large because of its impact on the interpretation of oral health issues and its influence on allocation of funding resources. Diplomates in dental public health work primarily in the federal government and academic settings, performing administrative, research, and teaching functions. In the current debate over the level, effectiveness, and distribution of health resources, dental public health can be expected to play an increasing role in helping to set the agenda.