An experience in dental education in Sweden

On the basis of a one-year experience as a visiting professor at the University of Lund School of Dentistry in Malmmo, Sweden, the author discusses dental education in the Swedish system and compares it to its American counterpart. The power and independence of the department chairmen and the absolute dependence on research productivity as the criterion for advancement in the academic hierarchy are pervading influences in Swedish dental education. It is difficult to undertake curriculum study and revision in Sweden and to achieve coordination in the educational program. Research efforts in the Swedish schools are of high quality and are remarkably prolific.