The article discusses the declining support for dental public health as a specialty, highlighting the lack of emphasis on social determinants in dental foundation training. It argues that dental public health is crucial for identifying vulnerable groups and addressing oral health inequalities through a multisectoral approach. The author, a dental professional, expresses a personal interest in the field due to a background in sociology and psychology, and the challenges faced by patients in deprived areas. The article notes the low number of practitioners in the field and the stigma surrounding it, often attributed to a misconception that those in the specialty are less skilled or socially inadequate. It suggests that changes to foundation training could help address this issue by increasing trainees' understanding of social determinants and providing more training opportunities in areas with high need. The article also emphasizes the importance of dental public health in tackling oral health inequalities, noting that while overall oral health is improving, the most deprived populations are not benefiting equally. The author calls for greater recognition of the specialty's role in public health and the need for more training places to ensure continued support for those in need. The article concludes by advocating for a broader appreciation of dental public health's role in promoting health beyond individual treatment.The article discusses the declining support for dental public health as a specialty, highlighting the lack of emphasis on social determinants in dental foundation training. It argues that dental public health is crucial for identifying vulnerable groups and addressing oral health inequalities through a multisectoral approach. The author, a dental professional, expresses a personal interest in the field due to a background in sociology and psychology, and the challenges faced by patients in deprived areas. The article notes the low number of practitioners in the field and the stigma surrounding it, often attributed to a misconception that those in the specialty are less skilled or socially inadequate. It suggests that changes to foundation training could help address this issue by increasing trainees' understanding of social determinants and providing more training opportunities in areas with high need. The article also emphasizes the importance of dental public health in tackling oral health inequalities, noting that while overall oral health is improving, the most deprived populations are not benefiting equally. The author calls for greater recognition of the specialty's role in public health and the need for more training places to ensure continued support for those in need. The article concludes by advocating for a broader appreciation of dental public health's role in promoting health beyond individual treatment.