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Education Solutions to the Medical-Dental Divide
Chad M Rasmussen1, Kale B McMillan2, Dane C McMillan2
1Consultant, assistant professor, vice chair of education, and vice chair of research for dental specialties at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
AMA Journal of Ethics
|February 8, 2022
Summary
The historical separation of dental and medical education has created a divide, hindering oral health integration. This article proposes an educational plan to reunify medicine and dentistry for better overall health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oral health
- Medical education
- Health equity
Background:
- The medical and dental fields have been separated by educational approaches since 1840.
- This separation prevents the integration of oral health into overall health.
- The divide negatively impacts oral disease prevention, access to care, and health equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an educational plan for reunifying medicine and dentistry.
- To address the persistent medical-dental schism.
- To promote the integration of oral health into overall healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Implementing interprofessional education.
- Developing dual degree training programs.
- Integrating oral health components into medical curricula.
- Establishing integrated residency training.
Main Results:
- The proposed plan aims to bridge the gap between medicine and dentistry.
- This educational reform is expected to improve oral health outcomes.
- Reunification will enhance access to care and promote health equity.
Conclusions:
- The historical educational schism between medicine and dentistry must be addressed.
- An integrated educational approach is crucial for oral health's inclusion in overall health.
- The proposed plan offers a pathway to reunify the professions and improve patient care.