The necessity for trained advanced dental professionals

The differentiation of the workforce in dentistry is discussed in terms of its history, the development of the specialties, and advanced education. The differentiations in the general practitioner workforce, through general practice residencies and the proposed advanced educational programs in general dentistry, are discussed. The possibility of further differentiation in the workforce by drastic changes in Section 18 of the Principles of Ethics of the American Dental Association (ADA) is analyzed and evaluated. The differentiations in the dental auxiliary workforce are noted and some conclusions and recommendations in all of these areas are presented.