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The challenge for the twenty-first century for oral health is to reduce the social inequality observed in populations. This challenge has been made explicit by the Department of Health (DH) in England. Turning rhetoric into reality is difficult for all concerned whatever field or profession. A cohesive model that embraces philosophical ideals can help individuals achieve change as it provides structure on which to develop ideas. This paper describes a model of care in general dental practice that fits the requirements of the DoH in addressing social inequalities, in the context of developing general dental services.

Objective: Test general public view about how much they wish to be involved in water fluoridation implementation decisions.Design: Qualitative research using focus group discussions led by an experienced moderator.Setting: Among the general public living in three non-fluoridated areas in England.Subjects: Members of the public more than 20 years of age and by social class.Results: General public wish to be informed of water fluoridation plans but do not see themselves as being the appropriate implementation arbiters.Conclusions: In the public's eyes, it would be inappropriate and unwelcome to delegate to them the decision about whether to fluoridate the public water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]