Departments of social dentistry--an update for the 1980s

Two decades have passed since Blackerby's call to develop departments of social dentistry within dental schools. Recent events, having changed the climate for the delivery of health services, would seem to bear out the wisdom of such departments. A review of the development and present status of departments of social dentistry is provided with a discussion of evolving programs and need for a change in the relationship between departments of social dentistry and the general school teaching programs.