A study measured the influence of treating disabled persons during the practical training period on the dental hygiene student's attitude toward the disabled, and studied whether attitude and self-confidence are related to certain student characteristics. (MSE)

The current state of dental labor research, dimensions of interest, problems of policy analysis, and the importance of these issues for dentistry are discussed, and a conceptual model for such research is presented. Immediate attention to the research is encouraged because of need and greater opportunities than ever for collaboration. (MSE)

At a symposium on academic integrity in dental education, participants responded to questions about a case in which a dental student requested that a patient delay treatment so the student could perform it later to fulfill a requirement. Responses concern the ethics of the student's behavior, faculty behavior, and the patient's role in making…

Using national survey data, dental school clinic fees were analyzed over a seven-year period. Analysis looked at fees for specific procedures, fee trends in different specialty areas, and comparisons of fees in dental school clinics and private practice. A comparison between clinic fees and the Consumer Price Index was also made. (MSE)

The paper addresses the potential of informatics to patient care quality assurance curricula, focusing on (1) terminology and developments related to quality of care evaluations; (2) criticisms of traditional approaches; (3) limitations of existing data sources for quality assurance in dentistry; and (4) quality assurance considerations in…

A method for predicting high dental caries increments for children, based on previous research, is presented. Three clinical findings were identified as predictors: number of sound primary molars, number of discolored pits/fissures on first permanent molars, and number of buccal and lingual smooth surfaces of first permanent molars with white…

The hypothesis that the demand for dental education has affected or will negatively affect the availability of dental care is tested by examining a series of questions relating to students, faculty, schools of dentistry and their parent universities, and manpower. (MSE)

Changes in demographics, disease patterns, disease management, and dental health care systems and changes in dental education in response to them are examined. Further adjustments needed in the basic science curriculum are discussed, with emphasis on developing students' skills in independent inquiry. (MSE)

It is suggested that evidence-based health care is appropriate in dental care delivery, and dental educators can play an important role in overcoming barriers to teaching and practice of this approach. Obstacles include misinterpretations, insufficient evidence, undeveloped critical appraisal skills, skepticism, inadequate time, and poor access to…

A study of the variety of primary care services provided by a 1977 dental school class's graduates in practice showed no correlation with urban or rural location, but the variety of services was predicted by the dentist's position in the practice and his predental school values, dental school aptitudes, and dental school achievement. (Author/MSE)

Econometric, supply, and manpower models adopted to forecast need and demand for dental services personnel are examined critically, based in part on the models' past success in prediction. Areas of concern and conditions not reflected in the models are noted. All the models are seen to be limited. (MSE)

Economic and social trends that will affect the health care system are examined, including federal health care reform efforts, federal budget trimming through managed care and cost-cutting, declines in state spending, adoption of single-payer systems, growing competition in the private sector (mergers, alliances, acquisitions), dominance of health…

Implications of competency-based education for dental assistants and hygienists are examined. Such an approach would provide assistance in defining evolving roles in delivery of dental care; help in defining national competencies and analyzing appropriateness of current care; and a mechanism for developing curriculum that responds to community…

The Temple University (Pennsylvania) advanced general dentistry program includes seminars and clinical rotations in social work, to help students gain an appreciation and working knowledge of social workers' function in health care provision, to improve interpersonal skills, to interact with social workers, to address diversity issues, and to…

Four surveys were part of an evaluation of the Pew National Dental Education Program to help dental schools respond to the changing health care environment. Results show funded schools gained a better understanding of their environment, reported increased participation in and commitment to planning among constituencies, and implemented strategic…