This paper identifies two trends seen as shaping the future of dentistry: (1) the position of dental schools within the university structure; and (2) the regulation of schools through accreditation and licensure. Concluding comments address how dentistry can serve the public through greater access to care. (GLR)

If dental schools are to be competitive in the current economic environment, they will need to collaborate with and become active participants in their academic health centers. The dental school can strengthen the center's competitive edge in the managed care market, strengthening the dental school's position in the center and generating new…

Pressures on dental schools in the form of declining enrollments, fiscal problems, and a changed professional environment for dentists are outlined, and options for fiscal survival are reviewed. Emerging differences between public and private schools and the role of the dental school in the university are discussed. (Author/MSE)

A challenge now faced by dental school administrators is to maintain the feasibility of federally funded postdoctoral general dentistry residency programs when institutional, educational, and economic priorities stretch institutional limits. Some existing programs can offer ideas and insights through their diverse and nontraditional funding…

The restructuring of the oral health sciences program at the University of Alberta (Canada), in response to drastically reduced funding, is described. Major objectives were to reduce program cost to the university and enhance the institution's scholarly/research profile. The model, used in other countries, separates clinical from academic costs.…