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 education has evolved through four major periods: reorganization, the growth of research, the golden era, and a time for reflection. Dental schools face difficult choices as they consider curriculum revision. (MLW)

Columbia University's plan to strengthen the education of the general dentist is the result of the school's academic leaders and faculty's success in visualizing the benefits of three concepts: broadening the medical content of the core curriculum, increasing educational opportunities in nonspecialty career paths, and providing a postdoctoral…

Dental education is recognizing the need for a one-year required postdoctoral experience in general dentistry to relieve overcrowding in the four-year D.D.S. curriculum and provide needed health services. Enrollment trends and projections suggest that the system can make space for these students, but planning is needed to finance the new…