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A contemporary review of professionalism in dentistry

BDJ In Practice volume 32, pages 18–21 (2019)Cite this article

Professionalism is a concept of which we as dentists are acutely aware. Its significance and importance are increasingly at the forefront of our minds. This has been driven in part by changes in society, politics and in the relationship between dentist and patient.

During the advent of the NHS, dentistry changed from being a trade to adopting a healthcare model alongside our medical colleagues. Along with a well-defined and clear set of professional expectations, a paternalistic relationship between dentist and patient developed. The patient would defer to their dentist for their oral health needs and had little input into their treatment plan. In recent decades, this relationship changed again to give the patient more autonomy and say in the treatment they receive.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dental Foundation Trainee and KSS South Scheme, Southwater Dental Practice, Station Road, RH13 9HQ, Southwater, Horsham, UK

    Keerut Oberai

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  1. Keerut Oberai
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Correspondence to Keerut Oberai.

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Oberai, K. A contemporary review of professionalism in dentistry . BDJ In Pract 32, 18–21 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-019-0102-8

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