When educators develop and introduce new learning approaches or resources, they usually have specific didactic goals in mind that they want to achieve. However, these goals may not always match the needs of their students, who often confound such plans by finding new and different uses for the educational tools that are offered to them.…

ePortfolios and other engaged learning experiences can have extensive impact on students in many facets of their lives, such as subject-area learning, skill and competence development, perspectives on "how the world works," and even students' own identities, confidence, and needs. Assessing these various impacts can be a challenge for…

This study explores dental hygiene faculty's perceptions regarding the issues surrounding the concept of critical thinking skills integration within Michigan accredited associate degree dental hygiene programs. The primary research goals are to determine faculty understanding of the concept of critical thinking, identify personal and departmental…

Presented are the proceedings of a symposium on the implementation of contemporary biology in dental curriculum, sponsored by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Approximately 180 dental educators, including 69 official delegates from every dental school in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico attended. The program aimed…

Data are presented describing expenditures for personal health services in Michigan from 1977 to 1981. The rapid growth in expenditures is illustrated, as well as the rates of growth in expenditures, for major categories of health services. Personal health expenditures are defined as payments for care directly provided to patients: specifically,…

This document investigates the regulation of dental assistants in Michigan. Emphasis is placed on increased dental productivity from increased use of auxiliaries, utilization of dental auxiliaries, and educational and training requirements for certification and licensure. Results of the investigation indicate: (1) support should be given for the…

This paper examines the 1972 and 1973 bills to revise the Michigan Dental Practice Act and investigates the reactions of several groups affected by the proposed changes. Emphasis is placed on initial efforts to revise the Dental Act, the need to revise the Dental Act, Michigan Dental Association (MDA) efforts to expand duties for dental hygienists…

Reaffirming its leadership role toward better oral health for all Americans, the ADA has produced a white paper that also challenges policy-makers and the US to improve access to dental services. The white paper, "State and Community Models for Improving Access to Dental Care for the Underserved," was presented October 1 to the House of…