Introduction to "Advancing Dental Education in the 21^st Century" Project

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Health Policy
• Strategic Planning

Background:

• The 1926 Gies report significantly advanced dental education and research, establishing dentistry as a learned profession.
• Current dental and allied dental education face challenges in financing, oral health improvement, treatment technologies, and healthcare delivery systems.
• A strategic planning project was initiated to address these evolving issues impacting the dental profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the current status and future trends in dental education over the next 25 years.
• To inform strategic recommendations for dental schools and allied dental programs.
• To prepare graduates for dental practice in 2040 and support institutional missions.

Main Methods:

• A strategic planning project involving six sections and 50 authors.
• Preparation of 38 articles addressing key issues in dental education.
• Publication of executive summaries in the Journal of Dental Education and background articles in online supplements.

Main Results:

• The project identified critical issues and future trends impacting dental education and practice.
• A comprehensive set of articles was produced to analyze these challenges.
• The findings will be used to develop strategic recommendations for the future of dental education.

Conclusions:

• Dental education requires strategic planning to adapt to evolving challenges.
• Future-focused recommendations are essential for preparing dentists for practice in 2040.
• This project provides a foundation for enhancing dental education and its contribution to public oral health.