Describes findings from a comprehensive study of American Dental Association-recognized dental specialties, including specialty practice and the practice environment, membership in specialty organizations, requirements and trends in board certification, advances in research and technology, and trends in advanced specialty education. (EV)

The differentiation of the workforce in dentistry (dentists, dental auxillaries, others) is discussed in terms of its history, the development of the specialties, and advanced education. ADA policy and requirements are reported, including those dealing with ethics, specialization, development of general practice residencies, and needs for advanced…

Analysis of characteristics of students (n=1,684) using the Postdoctoral Application Support Service found significant differences in applicants to various program areas. Applicants to pediatric programs had the most varied characteristics; applicants to oral and maxillofacial surgery were the most homogeneous. The study provides baseline data for…

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…

The development and design of a telecommunications system for specialists in dental public health is described, data on usage patterns and costs are presented, and the content of typical messages is discussed and illustrated. (MSE)

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)

One dental school implemented in its fourth-year curriculum an intensive simulation exercise to teach students the application of fundamental economic concepts such as capital costs, leasehold improvements, operating expenses, working capital, and financial risk in dental practice. (MSE)

Issues to be considered in implementing a required postdoctoral dental education requirement are discussed, including the impact on predoctoral program patient pools, costs, faculty, student career choices, specialty training and practice, national enforcement, and financing. (MSE)

A dental school program that provides students with the option of studying abroad at a participating school or hospital or designing their own course of study during their final four months is described. (MSE)

Results of a survey of geriatric dentistry specialists concerning the competencies required of geriatric dentists and the relative importance of those skills in five settings (dental school, general practice residency, prosthodontic specialty programs, geriatric fellowship programs, and continuing education) are reported. (MSE)

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)

A discussion of basic working definitions and an attenuated historical review of graduate dental education, with special emphasis on the evolution of goals and objectives of graduate dental education, is presented. Factors affecting objectives include: type of program and desired end-product, discipline or specialty, and institutional setting.…

A national survey of 53 dental schools found most were not interested in developing a separate division or department of dental anesthesiology. Of those with a dentist anesthesiologist responsible for teaching pain control, all have or favor such a division. Less than one-third employ professionals limiting their practice to anesthesiology. (MSE)

The results of a study of the employment patterns, academic preparation, and work characteristics of dental hygienists working with special populations (including the physically handicapped, mentally and emotionally handicapped, geriatric, mentally compromised, homebound, low income, and children) are reported. (MSE)

Curricular guidelines proposed by the American Association of Dental Schools are outlined, including notes on the interrelationship of occlusion content and other disciplines, an overview of the curriculum, preclinical and clinical goals and objectives, prerequisites, a core content outline, sequencing, faculty, and facilities. (MSE)