ABSTRACT
The importance of good teamwork has been emphasised in many Government documents. Good communication is essential for good teamwork. A team approach helps different team members to adopt an evidence-based approach to patient care - by having to justify their approach to the rest of the team. Effective teams make the most of the different contributions of individual clinical disciplines in delivering patient care. The scope for teamwork dental practice has been severely restricted by legislation, but at its meeting in November 2001, the General Dental Council approved proposals for a new statutory framework for the dental team as a whole. Teams that encourage participation are more likely to achieve a patient-centred service, to work together as a team and be more efficient. Teambuilding starts from the top. General dental practitioners and practice managers should set good examples that encourage trust and respect from other colleagues.
