The role of a hospital consultant has changed extensively over the past decade as the National Health Service has progressed through a series of challenges including an ageing population and rising costs of clinical care. The traditional concept of a consultant has changed with different and increased expectations of the role as the pressures to deliver high quality patient care, education and advice continue to rise in a difficult financial climate. In addition, consultants in restorative dentistry are faced with the challenge of a poor general awareness of the scope of their speciality and their role. This paper provides an update on how the role of the consultant in restorative dentistry has evolved in the last decade and how it differs from that of other dental specialists and general dental practice.