[The collaboration between dentists and dental hygienists: from paradox to resolution]

The occupation of dental hygienist has changed since the introduction of vertical task redistribution. However, this change has not yet resulted in an optimal collaboration between dentists and dental hygienists. Four typical characteristics of vertical task redistribution are considered to be influentialfactors with respect to collaboration and the acceptance of vertical task redistribution: the transition from a hierarchical work relation to a more functional work relation, educational level as related to competence and social status, the relation between vertical task redistribution and professional identity and the perceived usefulness of interprofessional collaboration and task redistribution. Implications for educational development are based on scientific literature and are illustrated by an example from the dental curriculum in the Dutch city of Groningen. Even though interprofessional collaboration does not seem to be optimal at the present time, there are insights that suggest ways of improving interprofessional collaboration between dentists and dental hygienists. However, more clues are needed. In particular, the paradox between professional identity and interprofessional collaboration has not yet received much scientific attention.