Changing patient needs and their impact on clinical education

Dental records of 1,800 clinic patients were examined in nine U.S. dental schools. The objective of the study was to identify what changes, if any, occurred over the five-year period between 1978 and 1982 in dental clinic patient treatment needs. Patients were found to be older at the time of entry into the clinical system and they required less operative treatment, fewer opposing full dentures, and less fixed bridgework. Increases in single full dentures and partial dentures were recorded. No changes were observed in endodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery treatment needs. These findings present a potentially serious problem in affected areas that may lead to a decline in the availability of sufficient experiences for the clinical training of dentists.