Nutrition in dental education: a European perspective

Previous studies have highlighted the diversity of levels of nutrition teaching in European Dental Schools, ranging from extensive courses in Scandinavia and the Netherlands to little or none in some other countries. A current survey has shown that whilst on average there has been a small increase in nutrition teaching since 1989, the profile over all is unchanged. The major exception however, is the UK, where nutrition teaching has improved substantially since the introduction of the extended preclinical curriculum in 1990. Despite improved living standards and better nutrition in much of Europe, nutrition is still an essential component of the dental curriculum. New problems such as erosion and obesity have arisen as a result of a diet of affluence and modern lifestyles. European Union guidelines on nutrition teaching would be helpful.