The NHS reform programme: implications for dental public health and the community dental services

The structure and funding of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom has undergone major changes in recent years. A survey was conducted among senior personnel working within the dental public health and the community dental services to identify their roles and responsibilities, their views on the effects of the changes, and the future opportunities and challenges. A response rate of 76 per cent was obtained using a postal questionnaire. In general the reforms were viewed as positive, although purchasers were consistently more optimistic than providers. The survey also highlighted that until the uncertainty surrounding the future direction of oral health care services has been clarified, the future role of senior personnel within the Community Dental Service and dental public health will remain unclear.