Female dental students in 68 American and Canadian dental schools were surveyed regarding women in dental school. It was found that almost 80 percent do not believe their sex hinders them, that qualifications should be the primary consideration in admission and hiring, and that special seminars would be a beneficial support service. (JSR)

A study to examine the assumption that absenteeism affects student performance is described. Strict attendance records were kept for a course in dental materials at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. All of the tests indicate a significant negative correlation between grades and absenteeism. (MLW)

A laboratory exercise for dental students is presented using a toxic dose of lidocaine in place of an anesthetic dose of pentobarbital. The use of lidocaine demonstrates its toxic and lethal actions and increases the relevance of the experience for dental students. (Author/MLW)

Faculty members at the University of Iowa noticed that freshmen dental students seemed to lack, or temporarily forget, some commonly accepted social skills in making proper introductions during the stress of their first patient contact. A videotape was developed to reinforce rules of etiquette for introductions in a professional setting. (MLW)

A minicourse concerning patient management skills at the University of Washington School of Dentistry is described. A method to evaluate students' application of the social learning theory presented in the minicourse is reported. Students were trained in 12 specific skills, and then observed during rgular appointments. (MLW)

Discusses reasons for the importance of diversity in health professions schools and historical approaches to achieving this diversity. Then describes Project 3000 by 2000, an effort by the Association of American Medical Colleges to enroll 3,000 underrepresented minority students in medical school by the year 2000. (EV)

A survey of dental schools revealed little standardization of student requirements for dental radiography in the United States. There was a high degree of variability as to what constituted a full radiographic survey, which has implications concerning the maximum limits to patient exposure to radiation. (Author/MLW)

The growing complexity in the dental profession has contributed to the diversity of current specialities and practice modes. Dental students are seen to need time to explore this diversity of opportunities and plan for their futures. A survey of career assistance programs in U.S. dental schools is reported. (MLW)

An elective course designed to create dental student awareness of the potential adverse effects of hazards and stress in dental school and practice, and methods to avoid and cope with such problems, is described. Results from one- and two-year course evaluations are included. (MSE)

The accuracy of manual and academic variables in predicting preclinical operative technique was evaluated. Correlations were low, but significant using the Perceptual Motor Ability Test (PMAT) of the Dental Admission Test. Students with low or average two-dimension scores on the PMAT benefited from an alternate teaching method. (JSR)

A new test developed by the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry that included videotape, visual aids, and relevant dental data as part of the exam is reported. The degree of student anxiety before, during, and after the examination was measured. A videotaped segment simulating a case history was used. (Author/MLW)

A long-term follow-up study of an experimental method evaluated the lasting effects of that method using preclinical and clinical grades, as well as an assessment of dental students' clinical technical performance. (Author/MLW)

The hypothesis that individuals involved in supportive interpersonal relationships are buffered against the deleterious effects of stress is evaluated in a dental school setting. Levels of support for men and women were correlated with academic performance and indices of physical and psychological well-being. (Author/MLW)

Women dental students enrolled in all American and Canadian dental schools during the 1977-78 academic year were surveyed to determine their backgrounds, current status, motivation regarding dentistry as a career, perception of the dental school environment, preferences in dental education, and future plans. (Author/MLW)

A study to test the hypothesis that self-instructional programs in nutrition and dentistry are as effective a teaching method as traditional lectures is discussed. The results of the analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the test scores in the lecture and self-instruction groups. (Author/MLW)