Repeated studies of graduating dental students indicate limited preparation to provide services for individuals with special healthcare needs. By the end of the 1990s and into the present decade, more than half of the U.S. dental schools provided less than five hours of class room presentations and about three quarters of the schools provided 0-5…

In 2004, The Commission on Dental Accreditation adopted new standards for dental and dental hygiene education programs to ensure the preparation of practitioners to provide oral health services for persons with special health care needs. The course of action leading to the adoption of the new standards, together with the continuing obstacles of…

This article examines why it is difficult for individuals with disabilities to obtain dental services. It discusses inadequate preparation of dentists, cultural norms that create social, attitudinal, economic, and environmental barriers, and limited participation in the Medicaid dental program. The need for changes in dental school curricula is…

A review of the development and present status of departments of social dentistry is provided, along with a discussion of evolving programs and need for a change in the relationship between departments of social dentistry and the general school teaching programs. (JSR)

Drastic changes in dental practice and education in recent years illustrate the need for the health care professions to adjust to changing circumstances, including different health care needs, student credentials, curricula, delivery systems, and economics. (MSE)