In an investigation of the predictors of success on the dental National Board Examinations Part II, three studies were undertaken to test (1) the factual validity of a mock examination, (2) the usefulness of the mock examination as a predictor of board examination success, and (3) whether the third cross-validated the previous findings. (MSE)

The purpose of this study was to survey the state and regional boards to determine the prosthodontic procedures that are used to establish minimal competency for dental licensure. This study categorizes the procedures and discusses their relevance in regard to trends in patient needs, patient availability, and dental school curriculum. (MLW)

Acceptance of practical tests for dental school graduates brings with it questions of the reliability and efficacy of the board examinations. The continued existence of state boards has been justified by suggesting that any weakening in curriculum is apparent by the state dental board's annual review. (MLW)

To change state statutes and regulations concerning postdoctoral dental education as a requirement for licensure, the profession will have to provide ample justification and a change of philosophy regarding the qualification of the entry-level applicant into the profession in relation to protection of the public welfare. (MSE)

A national survey of dental schools and dental licensing boards indicates a deemphasis on teaching and testing of direct gold restoration techniques. Reasons for this decline may include decline in practitioner use of gold, decline in faculty motivation and dedication to teaching the techniques, and shifting of available curriculum to other…

This position paper reviews the history of licensure and credentialing in dental education and questions the value of state and regional board clinical examinations for entry level practitioners. Recommended are continuing education requirements, on-site visits of practice settings, periodic reevaluation of practitioners' abilities, and licensure…

The primary purpose of state dental licensing boards is to protect the public, but clinical testing of dental graduates is not critical to this function and may even distract from it. Ensuring the continuing competence of practicing dentists is a more important focus for licensing agencies. (MSE)

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)

This presentation on licensing and credentialing in dentistry denounces the use of human subjects for entry level clinical examinations in dentistry as contrary to the values of the profession that the patient's welfare is paramount. Recommended, instead, are various forms of simulation. (DB)

Because most states incorporate similar clinical tests in their dental licensing examinations and most dentists surveyed would like greater mobility between states without taking another clinical examination, development of a national clinical examination is desirable. Demonstration of continued competency should also be required. (MSE)

It is proposed that required postdoctoral dental education may be a step toward certifying dentists as physicians. (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)

This article applies economic theory of firm-specific capital in labor relations to the mobility of dental school faculty, and concludes that existing licensure and credentialing requirements curtail faculty mobility and recruitment possibilities. (DB)

The article addresses issues arising when a dental student is positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or has AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Considered are the student's right to confidentiality, the duty to warn, the patient's right to informed consent, guidelines of the American Dental Association, possible alternatives…

Inherent in the meaning of baccalaureate dental hygiene education is the offering of upper-division courses in the theory and practice of dental hygiene itself. Restructuring the associate programs as strictly two-year, lower-division programs would require standardization of baccalaureate programs as strictly upper-division curricula. (MLW)