Future of the profession : the times they are changing

This paper provides insights into the future of our profession and suggests that the times "they are changing". Dental therapists, dental hygienists and oral health therapists should be alerted to the fact that our future is affected by the decisions of the government of the day, and of the policy-makers and bureaucrats who advise them. A summary of the key organisations that have an impact on our working lives is provided. In order for the future positioning of our profession, suggestions on where we should be directing our efforts are discussed. These include; increasing the visibility and identity of our profession, capitalising on the many opportunities available to oral health practitioners in private dental practice, supporting and encouraging a critical mass of academics and researchers, and utilising specific strategies in order for our profession to fulfil its full potential.