This opinion piece by A. Holden highlights the declining support for dental public health as a specialty, emphasizing its importance in identifying vulnerable groups and addressing social determinants of health. The author, who has a strong interest in dental public health, notes the lack of appreciation for this field among peers and the general perception that those interested in it are technically inept or socially stunted. The article argues that this aversion is reflected in the low number of practitioners trained in dental public health and suggests that extensive undergraduate outreach programs and more training places in dental access centers could help address these issues. Holden emphasizes the need to understand and tackle the social and environmental factors that influence oral health, particularly in deprived areas. The piece also discusses the challenges faced by dental public health practitioners in general dental practices and the importance of collaboration with other sectors to improve population health. Despite the growing oral health of the general population, the disparities between the best and worst-off groups remain significant, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address inequalities.This opinion piece by A. Holden highlights the declining support for dental public health as a specialty, emphasizing its importance in identifying vulnerable groups and addressing social determinants of health. The author, who has a strong interest in dental public health, notes the lack of appreciation for this field among peers and the general perception that those interested in it are technically inept or socially stunted. The article argues that this aversion is reflected in the low number of practitioners trained in dental public health and suggests that extensive undergraduate outreach programs and more training places in dental access centers could help address these issues. Holden emphasizes the need to understand and tackle the social and environmental factors that influence oral health, particularly in deprived areas. The piece also discusses the challenges faced by dental public health practitioners in general dental practices and the importance of collaboration with other sectors to improve population health. Despite the growing oral health of the general population, the disparities between the best and worst-off groups remain significant, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address inequalities.