Status of the predoctoral dental education program and its impact on graduate dental education

This discussion paper prepared for the Task Force on Graduate (Postdoctoral) Dental Education generally describes the status of the current pre-doctoral dental program and its relationship with graduate dental education. Factors that have influenced the dental curriculum in the last ten years are presented. Major changes that have occurred and are projected to occur in the predoctoral program and their potential impact on graduate dental education are discussed. Some of the major issues facing dental education in general are outlined. A proposal is presented for greater flexibility in dental education, both at the predoctoral and advanced levels, which would permit more interaction among the several programs. This flexibility is presented not only from the standpoint of enhanced educational opportunities, but also from a cost-effective point of view.