title: A strategy for the profession and trade to deal with the changing dental environment.
abstract: A former plan purchaser who is now the owner of a dental laboratory explains how dental benefits have been frequently introduced as supplements to medical benefits programs by large carriers. This has created a "knowledge gap" regarding the effects of underfunding and restriction of choice on the oral health of Americans. The dental profession and the dental industry should embark on a program to supply the information upon which patients and employers can make sound decisions.
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Challoner
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D003764:Dental Materials; D003813:Dentistry; D005378:Financial Support; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D007347:Insurance, Dental; D009909:Oral Health; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials