This brief statement addresses the credibility of the accreditation process for dental schools, suggests that innovation and excellence be part of the process, and questions the need for the number of accrediting bodies that exist. The author argues for greater cooperation in solving the accreditation problem. (GLR)

Governance involving participation of a broad constituency including faculty, staff, and administrators is recommended for graduate dental education. The role of external influences such as government, professional agencies, consumer organizations, and regulatory bodies is discussed. The government role is expected to increase. (MSE)

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)

Dental technology program administrators surveyed supported the credentialing of health manpower, felt program accreditation was valuable in meeting demands for educational quality assurance, and saw certification of technicians as beneficial but of little value in terms of recognition and economic gain for the credential holder. (MSE)

Trends and issues in the development of outcomes assessment in dental education are outlined with reference to recent professional literature and activity, and a pilot survey of accreditation consultants concerning their use of outcomes measures is reported. The 19 most frequently used and most appropriate measures are listed and described. (MSE)

The history of the present system of dental education in the United States shows that progressive developments spearheaded the gradual shift in focus from that of training professional technicians to one of educating learned professionals. Curriculum changes and trends are described. (Author/MLW)

A review of the history and current status of both the predoctoral dental curriculum and general dentistry programs gives insight into the nature and scope of the movement to make postdoctoral dental education a requirement. (MSE)

Outcomes assessment reduced to its simplest definition is quality control. Characteristics of the new Accreditation Standards for Dental Education Programs include: patient oriented, take a definite posture in relation to the specialties, create a minimally educated practitioner, are process oriented, and provide a form of quality assurance in…

The American Dental Association Office of Quality Assurance's current programs include liaison with national health organizations, a comprehensive report of quality assurance, a health policy agenda for the American people, encouragement of peer review organizations, a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and…

Objectives of graduate dental education (GDE) and the current types of GDE programs are defined and discussed. It is recommended that GDE programs should be evaluated with respect to their own objectives and also against standards set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and that this commission must have adequate financial support.…

If competency-based dental education is implemented in the United States, it will have a significant impact on postdoctoral general dentistry, particularly in the areas of accreditation standards and the specificity of competencies required. Development of a core of standards for all postdoctoral programs is recommended. (MSE)

An independent self-study conducted by students and faculty in one dental school paralleled the official accrediting committee's study. Covering six topics (costs, student government, relationships with state and national organizations, curriculum, operations, and student affairs), it allowed students to work with faculty and administrators. (MSE)

The evolution of dental accreditation is described. The purposes of accreditation and the accreditation process are discussed. The self-study approach to accreditation, self-study policies and procedures, and time schedule for the self-study are outlined. (MLW)

The outcomes assessment process developed by the New Jersey Dental School is described and discussed, including required resources, selected outcome measures, strengths and weaknesses, and the evolution of ongoing assessment activities. Documentation produced as part of the process is also described so that other health professions schools may…

The currently used internal and external program evaluation processes for general practice residency and advanced education in general dentistry programs are discussed, noting accrediting and evaluation groups, criteria, and designs. A generalized evaluation plan is proposed. (MSE)