The scope and objectives of graduate dental education

Seven objectives of graduate dental education (GDE) and the current types of GDE programs are defined and discussed. The author recommends that objectives for GDE should be established, and that each GDE program should be designed and designated to meet specific objectives that are appropriate to the setting and resources available. The author further recommends that GDE programs should be evaluated with respect to attainment of their own designated objectives and also against standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Dental and Dental Auxiliary Education (now the Commission on Dental Accreditation). The author notes that this latter commission must have adequate financial support and staffing to be able to evaluate many diverse GDE programs. Forces that have contributed to the gradual shaping of GDE programs are described, including societal need, institutional motivation, specialty organizations, and the Commission on Accreditation. The availability of money is cited as the catalytic component that often determines the balance among these forces. The author recommends that long-term objectives should not restrict program diversity and that societal need should be the paramount factor giving shape to future GDE programs. The author suggests that an emphasis on quality research training programs may prove most socially advantageous if advances in knowledge can prevent dental problems. The author also recommends that predoctoral students should have adequate information and counseling resources to enable them to make wise career decisions.