POSITIVELY TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Already we are being reminded through all sorts of channels that the N ational Health service is 50 years old in 1998. Among the clamour of e vents celebrating the longevity of such a remarkable achievement in so cial policy, it is salutary to reflect on the fact that in 1948 the de ntal profession was not self-regulatory. At that time, prior to 1956 w hen the GDC was created, our profession was still under the jurisdicti on of the medical profession, regulated by the Dental Board of the Gen eral Medical Council.