It is argued that productive change in Veterans Administration (VA) dental services will require planned change, new models of dental care and education that respond to different needs and circumstances, creative partnerships between the VA and institutions, and perhaps a new conceptualization of dental care as a medical subspecialty. (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 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)