Social work and dentistry in clinical, training and research collaboration

The knowledge and knowledge building skills of social workers can improve in three ways the quality and type of services provided to dental patients. First, social workers can be involved in the training of dental professionals so as to improve their interactions with patients. Second, social workers may provide social work clinical services to dental patients. Finally, social workers can conduct research that can add to the body of knowledge on patient behaviors relevant to dental treatment. This paper outlines a program conducted by social workers that incorporates all three of these activities.