A survey of 391 dentists completing a postdoctoral general dentistry program and 369 not participating in such a program revealed 75% of program participants were trained in civilian programs and the remainder in either military or Veterans Administration training programs. Employment patterns, treatment settings, and patterns of practice or…

An address to dental school deans looks at anticipated changes in the health care system, the public sector's changing role in health care, and draws implications for dentistry. It is suggested that academic health centers, and especially dental schools, will be particularly affected by these trends. (MSE)

Five dental schools were given grants to design and implement a training program for dental students in planning and delivering preventive dental services. These programs are described and compared, and it is concluded that all were generally successful and worthy of continuation. (JSR)

This article reviews recent large-scale epidemiological surveys of oral health in the United States, outlines risk factors for oral disease, and makes recommendations for future surveys. Discussion is limited to dental caries, periodontal diseases, tooth loss, edentulism, oral cancer, and orofacial clefts. (Author/MSE)

Five issues that are likely to shape health care delivery and allied health occupations education in the near future are discussed, including (1) access to health care and reform of care; (2) development of new technology; (3) changing demographics in the United States; (4) competition among professions; and (5) a growing multidisciplinary…

An analysis of the costs of dental education and student debt looks at national health expenditures, their relationship to student costs for dental education, and trends in student indebtedness and professional income. A debt rate rising faster than general economic growth is foreseen, suggesting an unhealthy economic climate for new graduates.…

Traces trends in health care, including growth of managed care, increased consumer choice, and changes in administration and funding of academic health centers, and examines the challenges they create for teaching, research, and practice. The Oregon Health Plan and its effect on Oregon Health Sciences University are used for illustration. (MSE)

Data from a study of the organization and governance of academic health centers is highlighted. Top administrators in academic health centers were surveyed to assemble information on the structural components and hierarchial relationships, the processes by which decisions are made, the way conflicts are resolved, and the future of institutions.…

Reports results of a working group convened by the American Association of Dental Schools to examine establishment of dental education programs with significant affiliations with community-based clinical care settings. Identifies factors and conditions believed to be critical to successful program linkages, including goals and objectives, support…

A 1991 survey of 51 U.S. and Canadian dental schools and a 1993 survey of 43 schools investigated perceptions of the best ways to manage dental students' clinical experiences. Most schools used a comprehensive care system, suggesting a strong trend in this direction. (MSE)

The issue of mandatory dental student consent to provision of clinical services by student colleagues is discussed, particularly when a student seeks to avoid mandatory treatment requirements or refuses treatment from an assigned student care provider, or is denied enrollment based on refusal to consent to treatment. Legal and policy…

Argues that dental schools are the logical location for development of valid, reliable, and acceptable health services research methods and databases, and describes development of an insurance claims database to demonstrate the types of research possible, as well as weaknesses and shortcomings of pure administrative data. Considers implications…

A discussion of future educational needs for dentists looks at dramatic changes occurring within health care services in general and dental care services in particular since 1935, changes in the professional culture, and special needs for educating physicians for population-based clinical practice. (MSE)

Evidence-based health care, in which practitioners use technology to access medical databases in solving clinical problems, is seen as a major step in improving clinical diagnosis and treatment. Role-modeling, practice, and teaching of evidence-based health care require new skills of clinical teachers in addition to traditional teaching skills.…

A study at the University of Texas, San Antonio's dental school resulted in development of a system of caries risk assessment, applied to all undergraduate clinic patients. The rationale, structure, elements, and application of the system are outlined, and course content supporting the system is noted. Need for validation and other improvements is…