In dental education, the anatomical sciences, which include gross anatomy, histology, embryology, and neuroanatomy, encompass an important component of the basic science curriculum. At Creighton University School of Dentistry, strength in anatomic science education has been coupled with a solid applicant pool to develop a novel Master of Science…

Research-intensive universities around the world are increasingly drawing upon leading practitioners in professional fields as adjunct faculty to deliver high quality student learning experiences in diverse undergraduate and graduate program contexts. To support effective professional development in these contexts, many universities have developed…

hapTEL, an interdisciplinary project funded by two UK research councils from 2007 to 2011, involves a large interdisciplinary team (with undergraduate and post-graduate student participants) which has been developing and evaluating a virtual learning system within an HE healthcare education setting, working on three overlapping strands. Strand 1…

Reviews progress made since the adoption of formal policies in support of women in the profession by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). Provides an overview of current ADEA programs designed to increase the number of women in academic dentistry and sustain an environment in which they can contribute. (EV)

Most dental faculty have had no formal training in education prior to their clinic instructor role, and many report a need for training in educational methods and tutorial skills. An inservice training program using prepared training materials, workshops, and practice sessions has been shown to increase instructor effectiveness. (Author/CMV)

Two surveys about the teaching of orofacial pain in the dental curriculum are reported, and the comprehensive course taught at the University of Kentucky is described. The first survey was of 89 Kentucky course alumni. The second was of 57 dental schools concerning the status of their orofacial pain curricula. (MSE)

Specific teaching programs in dental care for the handicapped at each of The Robert Wood Johnson grant-supported institutions are summarized. Curriculum, clinical experience, student-faculty attitudes, community impact, patient procurement, and didactic instruction are reviewed. (JMF)

Describes an innovative program developed at the University of California San Francisco and designed to address the shortage of underrepresented minorities and persons of disadvantaged backgrounds in the dental profession and to improve access to care for disadvantaged communities. The program involves exam preparation and learning skills courses,…

Describes how the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery strives to admit more underrepresented minority students. Discusses its D.D.S. minority admissions program, postdoctoral minority admissions program, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) for middle and high school students, and "zero" tuition dental assisting…

A survey to assess the current state of predoctoral endodontic education programs in U.S. and Canadian dental schools is discussed. The investigation focused on faculty characteristics, the learning climate for endodontics, and problems of administration. Current learning conditions were compared with the desirability of these conditions.…

Three common arguments against formal classes in professional ethics are examined. A minimum curriculum in dental professional ethics is proposed and a proposed program in professional ethics in dentistry is appended. (MLW)

Abstracts of presentations concerning educational research and new programs to be made at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Association of Dental Schools (Las Vegas, March 17-20, 1985) are given. (MSE)

The Pew National Dental Education Program has attempted to provide a focus for redirecting the mission, programs, and work of dental education. Its objective was to assist dental schools in long-term change in response to the needs of the public and to play a leadership role within the profession. (MLW)

The valuable role that predoctoral dental and dental hygiene student involvement in specialized hospital programs can play in the educational process is described. The University of Maryland Dental School program emphasizes the involvement of students in major clinical research related to cancer patients. (Author/MLW)