An introduction to the ADEA Commission on change and innovation in dental educatioN

New developments in dentistry are appearing rapidly, and new electronic means for making information available are already in the hands of our dental students. Recognizing a dramatic shift in the landscape, the American Dental Education Association developed, in 2004, the Commission on Change and Innovation. The commission has coordinated a national effort to identify a new dental education curriculum, beginning with a revision of the Competencies for the New General Dentist. From this starting point, the association is working to identify foundation knowledge and skills that support these competencies and new assessment methods. There is now a network of faculty liaisons at most schools throughout the United States and Canada. The future will likely see much of dental education delivered in community and other settings besides the traditional lecture room.