This series of articles on dentistry in the devolved nations makes interesting reading, together with reports on healthcare in general across the UK. It is clear that the 'National' Health Service is not one system but a family of four systems, and this should be reflected in our language. All have the same 'parental' NHS roots and thus there are still similarities. Significant public resources remain invested in NHS dentistry, supported by co-payments from adults. Broadly, there are still three branches of the dental profession. General dental services (GDS) remain the main provider, while community dental services (public dental services in Scotland; community/ salaried dental services in England) are more focused on providing special care dentistry. Specialist care is increasingly available outwith hospitals and services are increasingly led by need, as evidenced by orthodontic provision being restricted on the basis of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Preventive care is increasing in prominence, oral health appears to be improving further, and divergent change has become the 'norm', albeit at a different pace.
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