[Professional consciousness of dentists in occupational health care]

The specific nature of activities of dentists employed in occupational health care (OHC) has often been questioned. At the same time, there is a general opinion that the status of OHC dentists is superior in respect of dental surgery equipment, room space, relations with patients, etc. Based on the results of the Polish episode of international comparative study on dental care effectiveness, an attempt was made to answer the question about the professional characteristics of dentists employed in OHC units. The study referred both to OHC dentists and those who work primarily in the public health service. It was assumed that the professional consciousness of the respondents would be reflected in their opinions on: 1. professional satisfaction, 2. compatibility of professional duties, 3. disadvantages of the profession, 4. prospects for hereditary continuation of the profession, 5. patient behaviour, 6. significance of preventive activities in dental health care, 7. dental health care in Poland. The results of the study indicate that there is some sense of professional distinctiveness among the OHC dentists. This can be traced to different technical, organizational and economic conditions under which that group of dentists performs their duties.