For the dental profession, the COVID-19 pandemic presents many more questions than it does answers. This paper brings together a group of internationally respected experts to provide specialised analysis and policy recommendations for the future of the dental profession.

It details the impacts of COVID-19 upon oral healthcare in Australia; how the dental profession has acted to reduce COVID-19 transmission, and how services have been restricted during the crisis. The potential impacts of the restriction of services are discussed, especially in the context of how service closures may inadvertently contribute to accentuating oral health inequities and preventing the provision of dental care to those who need it most.

Key points:

• Questions surrounding the future trajectory of the dental profession and its role within our communities need to be addressed.
• It is time for investment in oral healthcare in Australia that will ensure that all Australians have equitable access to dental care.
• The role of dentists and the oral health team lacks definition within the broader healthcare workforce.