[Manpower problems in dentistry]

In this special issue the historic and future development of the dentist population in the Netherlands is outlined. With regard to the current supply of demand a picture is given of the regional variation in the supply of dentists. The future developments of the dentist population are put into perspective by three papers on developments in professional groups neighbouring dental general practice: oral hygienists, maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists. These papers are supplemented by a paper on the expectations patients have regarding their dentists, both now and in the future. Finally, the consequences of changes in the tasks performed by dentists for the academic dental education, are discussed