Abstract

Why has oral health received so little attention within the health system over the past two decades? Is it because the pre-1960s era, when tooth loss was considered inevitable, was followed in the 1970s by the advent of water fluoridation and the perception that fluoridation ensured good oral health? Or does the fact that approximately 80 per cent of oral health care is provided by the private oral health sector promote a perception that the public health care system needs only to provide water fluoridation and a restricted welfare service?