Entering dental students' attitudes toward social and professional health care issues in six successive classes in one school were assessed on six scales. Results show significant differences on at least one scale each year, longer term differences on four scales, and a weak association between attitudes and student background and characteristics.…

A study was conducted to identify: the diversity of community services in dental schools; faculty and student involvement; the extent to which service has been integrated into dental school; and the relationship between school type, enrollment, year of establishment of community services program, and the diversity of services. (MLW)

A study describes the characteristics of the current primary dental care workforce (dentists, hygienists, assistants), its distribution, and its delivery system in private and public sectors. Graduate dental school enrollments, trends in patient visits, employment patterns, state dental activities, and workforce issues related to health care…

An overview of the current oral health status of Americans looks at the epidemiology of oral/dental diseases, rates of use of dental services, and expenditures for dental health care. Substantial progress in improving oral health is seen as are particular challenges resulting from the aging and ethnic diversification of the population. (MSE)

A survey of 44 dental school deans investigated ways in which managed health care programs are affecting dental schools, schools' experiences with their own managed-care programs, the perceived future impact of managed care, and the impact of plans in "sister" medical schools on the dental schools. Implications for school financing are…

Despite some efforts, dental education is not succeeding at creating socially responsible, service-oriented professionals. Further research should be undertaken on the effectiveness of various forms of community health services, improving service to underserved populations, the perceptions of the underserved, clinical experience with health teams,…

The article addresses issues arising when a dental student is positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or has AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Considered are the student's right to confidentiality, the duty to warn, the patient's right to informed consent, guidelines of the American Dental Association, possible alternatives…

Recent Institute of Medicine directives for better use of oral health services can not be accomplished without health services research. One central research need concerns outcomes and effects of dental treatment. This will require better measures of a patient's oral health status, data on cost-effectiveness of common dental procedures, practice…

Primary oral health care, and the scope of services it includes, are defined. The proposed scope of services is a set of basic dental services used by the Indian Health Service. Policy recommendations for improving the integration of primary oral health services with primary health care and delivery are offered. (Author/MSE)

The evolution of the Pew National Dental Education Program is discussed, focusing on the program's strategies for reform of dental education to meet new social, economic, and health care challenges. The strategic planning approach adopted is examined, and lessons learned in program development and implementation are outlined. (MSE)

The complexity of decision making concerning periodontic treatment is discussed, and it is suggested that patient input concerning risks and benefits is important. Research into this area is recommended so that decisions can be based on empirical evidence, not opinion. (MSE)

At the University of Kentucky's comprehensive dental care clinic, student teams are headed by faculty members responsible for both patient and student management. A team coordinator and staff assistant are also assigned to each. Despite administrative difficulties and some academic problems, the program is generally well received by patients and…

Discussion of legal issues in dental clinical decision making looks at the nature and elements of applicable law, especially malpractice, locus of responsibility, and standards of care. Greater use of formal decision analysis in clinical dentistry and better research on diagnosis and treatment are recommended, particularly in light of increasing…

Health care system changes since 1965 are reviewed. Areas in which hospital dental care can contribute to improved dental services are discussed, including the promotion of dentistry as primary care, progress in obtaining adequate reimbursement for oral health care, integration with other health professions, and improvement of credentialing and…

New information technology allows dental educators and practitioners to have better access to the medical literature and to details about a given patient and to process much larger amounts of information. These improvements translate into consistency of care, more and better medical knowledge, cost-effectiveness, and greater clarity of details…