The document presents a Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) special report on dental care for the handicapped. The nature and extent of the problem of providing dental services to the handicapped population is examined. The handicapped population is defined and their oral health status reviewed. Factors contributing to the poor oral…

The constitution and bylaws of the American Association of Dental Schools are presented. (MLW)

Using a case-based dental scenario, presents systematic evidence-based methods for accessing dental health care information, evaluating this information for validity and importance, and using this information to make informed curricular and clinical decisions. Also discusses barriers inhibiting these systematic approaches to evidence-based…

Constitutions and bylaws of the American Association of Dental Schools are presented, covering organization name, statement of purpose, administrative organization, offices, membership, legislative and administrative bodies, elected and appointed officers, regular and special sessions, sections, publications, election, and finance. (MSE)

The first of two papers giving basic information about research planning for dental educators inexperienced in research outlines the definitions and types of research and the importance of sound design, adequate support, smooth project execution, and acceptance of the results. (MSE)

Organizational factors affecting curriculum change are discussed, including resistance to change, organizational climate, leadership and organizational culture, and conditions for effective participation. Four special considerations are outlined: the ethics of curricular change, creating a culture of innovation, zero-based curricular review, and…

Steps in establishment of Indiana University School of Dentistry's quality assurance program included gathering existing information on quality assurance; ascertaining administrative support; appointing a committee; defining terms and setting goals; raising awareness and commitment; designing a patient satisfaction survey; undertaking a chart…

A theory of motor skill performance in dentistry is presented, and studies of its use in improving preclinical laboratory instruction are reviewed. The model explains how the mind directs the hand so specific outcomes can be achieved, a theory which can be operationalized in instructional design. (MSE)

In the third of a series of articles on teaching psychomotor skills in dental education, the design of instructional materials is discussed. Steps include identifying appropriate teaching strategies for the tasks; organizing and sequencing subskills; identifying and collecting common errors; and drafting learning exercises for each subskill. (MSE)

Dental and dental hygiene faculty should maintain their clinical skills through regular practice, to improve their ability to relate to students through instruction, provide an additional source of income, and improve their image in the community. Institutional policies fostering and regulating faculty practice plans are suggested. (Author/MSE)

A program of small grants to dental students to attract beginning researchers to the field of quality assurance has shown that recruitment from an existing student pool is rapid and inexpensive and works best when it uses volunteers, has short cycles and rapid turnaround, and uses the dental communication network. (MSE)

The laws, rules and regulations of the New York State Education Department governing dentistry and dental hygiene practice in the state are presented. In addition, the requirements and procedures for obtaining licensure and first registration as a dentist and dental hygienist in New York are discussed. The following chapters are provided: (1)…

It is argued that full-time dental faculty should all engage in some research activity, and that dental schools should provide development activities for growth in this area. Clear expectations and a supportive environment are seen as essential, and examples of faculty research evaluation criteria and a faculty development plan are included. (MSE)

Necessary elements for curricular guidelines developed by sections of the American Association of Dental Schools and approved by the association are outlined. Elements include course interrelationships, objectives, prerequisites, content outlines, sequencing, faculty and facility needs, bibliography, statement of authorship, and committee members.…

Guidelines for creating competency statements for competency-based dental education are offered. They include steps and considerations in defining competency, gaining and organizing information gained from experts, and formatting statements efficiently and clearly. A glossary explains significant terms common in competency-based education and…