The world is its own best model: modelling and future pandemic planning in dentistry

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has and continues to create a huge number of challenges to the global economy and its associated healthcare systems, including dentistry. In the early stages, we have had to rely on mathematical modelling and plans developed from previous healthcare emergencies. As the emergency develops, it is vitally important that policymakers understand the difference between the science and the real-world evidence so that policy can adapt rapidly to the changing environment. Effective management of future crises will require open channels of communication across the whole profession, not only to collect, clean, curate and evaluate data but also to assess the benefits and harms of any policy change.