A survey of dentists found that 48 percent supported a mandatory fifth year of dental training. Main reasons for support were the need for more instructional time and need for a transition year. Individual choice, no value in a fifth year, mentoring available elsewhere, and cost were cited in opposition. Differences existed among respondents who…

Arguments for and against extension of dental education to a mandatory five years because of current overcrowding of dental curriculum are presented in debate form. Affirmative arguments center on the inefficacy of restructuring existing curricula, and arguments against focus on current curricular inefficiency, costs, and other practical…

A survey of all dental schools to gather information on curriculum length indicates that the majority plan to continue four-year programs, including early and late graduation options. Most do not plan to require a mandatory general practice residency program as a means of lengthening the curriculum. (MLW)

A program designed for the highly qualified recent high school graduate making a commitment to a dental career provides early student contact with the dental school and its programs, reduces the years required for a dental degree, and combines predental and dental education. The program's first-year results are mixed. (MSE)

A comparison of curricula for the two kinds of postdoctoral dental education programs examines clinical curriculum, program design, hospital-based and non-hospital-based programs, patient population, needs for such specialization, program length, and suggested changes and additions. (MSE)