A survey of 57 dental school continuing education programs found few previously or currently offering instruction in tobacco use cessation counseling. Respondents saw little interest in the topic among their target audiences. Reasons for the situation and barriers to practitioner involvement are discussed. (Author/MSE)

A growing number of health care educators are concerned with the effectiveness of the traditional approach for educating health care practitioners. The problem-based learning approach has been advocated as an effective alternative method for addressing many current concerns and for producing a more effective doctor. (Author/MSE)

Reviews the research literature on the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in the education of health professionals. The use of tutorial software, computer simulation, and interactive multimedia are discussed; the fields of nursing, medical, pharmaceutical, and allied health occupations education are covered; and further research needs are…

A discussion of belated efforts to address the national problem of underrepresentation of Blacks in medicine and medical education notes the effectiveness of a California program that emphasizes both racial non-segregation and excellence. (MSE)

A study of 424 allied health students (259 dental hygiene, 104 radiologic technology, and 61 respiratory therapy) found that the greater predictors of their academic success were the natural science subscore on the American College Test (ACT), high school grade point average, and class rank, age, and composite ACT score. (SK)

Describes sample vocational activities that stimulate critical thinking: (1) setting up an accounting system (business education); (2) developing a marketing plan (marketing education); (3) developing a fertilizer application plan (agricultural education); (4) making the best purchase (home economics); (5) planning a repair/remodeling project…

A survey of 53 pharmacy schools investigated immunization requirements and policies, both on admission and before students begin clerkships. Results are reported, highlighting schools' hepatitis B immunization policies. Results indicate that most schools lack an immunization requirement for this disease. (Author/MSE)

If dental schools are to be competitive in the current economic environment, they will need to collaborate with and become active participants in their academic health centers. The dental school can strengthen the center's competitive edge in the managed care market, strengthening the dental school's position in the center and generating new…

Advances made, and not made, in the education of health professionals in the decades since establishment of the World Health Organization are reviewed. A period of more structured work is now recommended, including more objective definition of goals, real program development, and strategic planning with installation of systems. (MSE)

A recent Ontario law concerning regulation and coordination of allied health professions has focused attention even more sharply on quality of dental education, and makes development of standards of practice more urgent. Dental educators can assist by researching health care needs, synthesizing information, and helping to write guidelines. (MSE)

Georgia piloted an externship program for dental hygienists that paired selected local dentists with senior dental hygiene students who had passed the national board examination and taken one state board examination. Dentists became mentors, and students learned about professional practice and were enthusiastic participants. (MSE)

In response to declining dental hygiene education enrollments, the only dental school in Virginia plans to increase recruitment and expand use of existing programs. Strategies include hiring a statewide recruitment officer, establishing a forgivable loan program, increasing program capacity, and starting new programs when funding is available.…

Discusses the role of the Rasch model IRT in evaluating two subtests of the Occupational English test and argues for its use in exploring test constructs and in considering the implications of the empirical analysis presented for the validity of communicative language tests involving speaking and writing skills. (39 references) (Author/JL)

Discusses the need for education in research ethics, and outlines a course developed for the College of Optometry of the State University of New York. The ten-hour seminar course is required for graduate students. The course outline covers the objectives, processes, basic content, methods of student assessment, and instructional materials. (MSE)

Discusses some current theories of learning motivation and describes how they may relate to the education of physicians, noting frequent disparities between medical schools' stated goals for learners and what is actually taught or rewarded by faculty. While motivation is multifaceted, there are strategies that may be used to strengthen students'…