Status of genetics education in U.S. dental schools

Genomics research is rapidly increasing our understanding of the genetic basis of normal and abnormal growth, development, and disease. Genetic information and technologies are also being applied to develop new diagnostic and treatment strategies. Many diseases with dental, oral, and craniofacial manifestations have a genetic basis. Effective clinical application of genomics to oral medicine will depend on the education of health care professionals, the general public, and policymakers. Dentists must understand genetics to provide accurate information to patients and be able to discuss benefits and limitations of the biological, clinical, and ethical issues related to genomic-based health care. Genetics education in dental schools will significantly impact the integration of genetics into oral medicine. Fifty-three U.S. dental schools completed a survey in 2001 to assess the status of genetics curricula in dental schools in the United States. Ninety-four percent of schools did not require genetics education for entry to dental school, and a formal genetics course was conducted in only eight of the fifty-three schools (15 percent). The genetics education currently offered to undergraduate dental students is not standardized, and the content varies considerably among schools. These findings suggest more emphasis on genetics education is needed in U.S. dental schools.