A survey of 42 U.S. dental schools was conducted to identify the number and characteristics of caries risk- assessment/treatment programs. Findings address lectures about caries risk, use of variable recall programs, categorization of risk level, early detection and treatment of lesions, and restoration of radiographically visible lesions. (DB)

Results of a survey of Canadian (n=8) and United States (n=44) dental schools concerning the clinical and didactic curriculum time allotted to preventive dentistry are reported. Comparable time allocation, requirements, and evaluation procedures were found in the two countries, but Canadian schools devote more hours to teaching prevention. (MSE)

Curricular guidelines developed by the American Association of Dental Schools for use by individual educational institutions as curriculum development aids are provided. The guidelines were developed by the Sections on Community and Preventive Dentistry and Practice Administration. (MLW)

A survey of 113 graduates of the State University of New York at Stony Brook dental school now in general practice found a high rate of self-reported use of preventive practices (oral hygiene instruction, pit-and-fissure sealants, fluorides, and diet analysis) included in the dental school's curriculum. (MSE)

The classification scheme for periodontal diseases developed in 1989 is discussed, and technologies, both surgical and nonsurgical, for prevention, control, and regeneration of periodontal tissues are described and compared. Research needs are discussed. (MSE)

Three elements of persuasion (source, message, and audience) are discussed, and a paradigm for persuasion, the Elaboration Likelihood Model, which unifies many existing attitude theories, is described. Selected concepts and research on attitudes and persuasion are also examined as a context for teaching preventive behaviors and strategies in…

Ideas from social cognitive psychology with potential for oral health promotion are presented, and a project to promote oral health at the individual level, offering a method adaptable to any behavior that should become habit, is described. Suggestions for placing this material in behavioral sciences and dentistry curricula are made. (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)

Some directions and influences on dental research activities in the near future are discussed. Current challenges include international competition, fellowships, and equipment. Potential research activity includes preventive medicine, epidemiology, chronic illness, the elderly, bioengineering, materials research, nutrition, soft tissue research,…

A study of the use of dental hygienists to teach periodontics, preventive dentistry, community dentistry, and public health courses looked at employment patterns and practices and the qualifications of the teachers. (MSE)

The American Association of Dental Schools' curriculum guidelines for predoctoral community dentistry include an overview of the field and its interrelationships with other fields and suggestions for primary educational goals, prerequisites, core content, specific behavioral objectives, sequencing, faculty, and facilities. (MSE)

Allied health education's mission is to prepare graduates to care for community's health; provide contemporary clinical care; participate in the emerging system and accommodate expanded accountability; ensure cost-effective care and appropriate technology use; practice prevention/promote healthy lifestyles; involve patients/family in decision…