Global changes in caries prevalence and dental manpower requirements: 3. The effects on manpower needs

A Joint Working Group of the WHO and FDI was formed in 1981 to investigate the dramatic decrease in caries in children and young people that had been observed in a number of industrialized countries in the 1970s. The results of this investigation are reported in this series of three articles. Parts 1 and 2 described the assembly and analysis of all available data on the decrease, and identified the widespread availability of fluoride toothpaste as the most probable cause. Inevitably in developed countries with declining caries incidence there will be a decreased need for dental services, and hence a change in the need for dental personnel. This third article will examine the likely effects on staffing needs and outline a suggested methodology for manpower planning. The lack of adequate data makes prediction a precarious procedure, and this review indicates the urgent need for regular dental health monitoring and better manpower planning in all countries.