Two issues related to dental health policy are examined: the contribution of dental education to the process by which dental health policy is established, and the nature of dental education's response to established policies. (MLW)

The implications of Americans' oral health status for the predoctoral dental curriculum and for dental education in general are discussed, including enrollments, graduate and continuing education, the specialties, and research. (MSE)

Within academic health centers there exists a well-established "pecking order" influencing daily life and reflecting fundamental relationships between medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health. Relationships between individual professionals and between schools within a center are examined for clues to possible change. (MSE)

Dental health needs of the country cannot be met through education of more dentists. Rather, we must educate auxiliaries to perform many of the intraoral procedures now regarded the sole responsibility of dentists. (SB)

Data from a study of the organization and governance of academic health centers is highlighted. Top administrators in academic health centers were surveyed to assemble information on the structural components and hierarchial relationships, the processes by which decisions are made, the way conflicts are resolved, and the future of institutions.…

To respond to the public's expectations for primary dental care, the profession needs to take steps that prevent overspecialization. Many institutions, organizations, and agencies have legitimate roles related to graduate dental education. The profession needs to develop a mechanism for influencing the numbers and mix of graduate education…