DENTISTRY AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE: 1974–1982

The paper examines some inter-relationships between dentistry and the national health service, particularly the way in which it was slotted into the management arrangements in 1974. The aspirations of dentists during the pre-1974 period are compared with government intent and the management structure achieved. Analysis of the managerial or officer structure at each level of the service highlights the ways in which the patterns laid down for dentistry varied from the norm. Dentists' expectations and the officially declared intent were seldom synonymous; both were very different from the final system. In some ways dentists lost out in relation to the management arrangements. Their major organization was at area level rather than in the health districts. Whether or not this unusual structure was to the disadvantage of the profession and of dental care, time alone would have told. However, no such assessment is now possible. In April 1982 area health authorities disappeared: area dental officers have therefore been abolished.