The shift to integrated care in the NHS: implications of the new care models for dentistry

This article explores the implications for dentistry of the policy of integration and collaboration in health and social care. In particular, it explores the advantages and disadvantages for dentistry of involvement in one of the new integrated care models currently being piloted, and the barriers and enabling factors that may need to be addressed if dentistry is to become involved. We argue that the advantages may outweigh the disadvantages and such involvement may be necessary at least in the longer term, otherwise there is a risk of missed opportunities and the possibility of dentistry being left out of major policy decisions affecting health and social care. However, such involvement of dentistry would require a considerable change to its current form and organisation. Any involvement will require the commitment and agreement of the dental profession, and its active engagement in the decision making process.