Evaluates the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction for teaching biostatistics to first year students at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Results do not demonstrate the superiority of CAI but do suggest that CAI compares favorably to conventional lecture and programed instruction methods. (RAO)

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)

The paper offers guidance for the incorporation of treatment effectiveness research into clinical dental practice guidelines. Recommended is inclusion of patients' preferences for different outcomes as well as of clinical outcomes in development of valid practice guidelines. (DB)

The purpose of this study was to survey the state and regional boards to determine the prosthodontic procedures that are used to establish minimal competency for dental licensure. This study categorizes the procedures and discusses their relevance in regard to trends in patient needs, patient availability, and dental school curriculum. (MLW)

This study examined elbow angle during a fine motor task (threading a needle), in the context of positions used in preclinical training exercises and assumed by practitioners performing dental procedures. The 101 subjects tended to choose an obtuse angle (mean of 125 degrees) and to vary this angle only slightly in repeated trials. (DB)

This brief statement addresses the credibility of the accreditation process for dental schools, suggests that innovation and excellence be part of the process, and questions the need for the number of accrediting bodies that exist. The author argues for greater cooperation in solving the accreditation problem. (GLR)

The University of Louisville's School of Dentistry, through student research fellowships, seeks to promote interest in geriatric dentistry by sponsoring gerontological research. In addition to increasing student interest, it provides an opportunity to work in the field in the summer, and research findings enrich the curriculum. (SK)

Evaluated the effectiveness of an educational game, "The Prosthodontic Olympics," to improve the speed of dental students in their performance of selected laboratory procedures. The students race to complete a procedure which is then judged for quality. Evaluation indicated participants increased their speed by as much as 50 percent without…

Gathered information about the shortage of dental school faculty through a survey of dental school deans. Respondents identified retirement and entry into private practice as the leading reasons for leaving faculty positions, and indicated that offering a salary competitive with private practice was the most critical factor in recruiting future…

Explores broad trends such as advances in oral sciences and the increasing old-age population and their effects on dental education. Asserts that these trends will ultimately result in the merging of dental and medical education. Also addresses the integration of scientific and clinical dental approaches, the problem of dental faculty isolation,…

Patients with serious intellectual disability (ID) are occasionally unable to tolerate dental treatment when intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia (IVSGA) is involved. In order to make a decision regarding the application of IVSGA, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is useful. Therefore, in this…

In the mid-1990s, the University Of North Carolina (UNC) School of Dentistry entered the digital era by publishing curricula, syllabi, and modules on the Web. The School took this step in part to give students greater access to materials that supplement the lecture-based courses in the program, and in part to help students prepare for examinations…

Purpose: The paper examines African immigrant parents' views on dental decay and whether such views affect their decision to obtain dental insurance for their children. The paper also examines the cultural underpinnings of the immigrants' oral health care practices. Design/methodology/approach: The data for the study were collected in the states…

This annual report shows the breadth and scope of the work achieved on behalf of the students across New Mexico. This document is a reflection of the commitment from the higher education and public education communities as well as that of the New Mexico Higher Education Department to further educational and professional opportunities for every…

We introduced a debate-style tutorial exercise into the third-year tutorial classes with the purpose of developing the students' logic, broadening their vision and encouraging them to express their opinions in public, before an audience. The issues for debate included medical (dental) and non-medical topics. Two separate debate exercises were…