• M C Downer, C S Drugan, and A S Blinkhorn.
• m.downer@mailbox.ulcc.ac.uk
• Int Dent J. 2006 Feb 1; 56 (1): 7-16.

ObjectiveTo examine the provision of dental services by salaried personnel in the countries of Western Europe, together with Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and to weigh the merits of this method against alternatives, namely, capitation and fee for item of service. In light of the findings, to consider the future role of salaried dental services in the National Health Service (NHS) in England.MethodInformation was gathered from published reports, the World Wide Web and by mailed questionnaire to national chief dental officers or equivalents.ResultsNarrative descriptions of service provision in the countries with salaried primary dental care services were compiled. Demographic, macro-economic, workforce, and oral health data for the broader spectrum of Western industrialised countries were tabulated. Examination of the quantitative data showed no strong associations between variables.ConclusionsDental services delivered by a salaried workforce can be costly in relation to the volume of clinical activity produced. However, deployment of clinical auxiliary personnel can keep costs down. Salaried services foster a preventive approach to care and are particularly suitable where care is directed towards vulnerable groups within the community. Salaried staff generally receive a lower level of remuneration than private practitioners but usually work in an environment less subject to undue pressures of time.

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