Future developments

Rate of population growth, types of healthcare systems that evolve, economic developments, consumers demands, and legislative action will all be major factors in shaping the future of the dental care system. Within dentistry, the growth of specialists, the ability to increase productivity in the dental office, and the apparent growing restlessness of auxiliary groups will all exert their influences. The demands of society mean that the cherished autonomy of the dental profession may be curtailed to some extent.