Clinical practice of the future. The future of dentistry.

The last 20 years have brought enormous change to the dental profession. The American Dental Association Future of Dentistry Report examines some of these advancements and discusses what changes to anticipate in the future. Among the most significant changes are those that will occur in the scope of clinical dental practice. This is largely due to anticipated shifts in patient demographics, provider availability, advancements in science and technology, and a changing role for the dentist in the health care community. Future dentists will maintain their role as experts on diseases of the oral cavity. However, their responsibilities will change and increase as they observe the interaction between oral and systemic health. Dental education, therefore, must reflect the changing role of the dentist.