Training tomorrow’s dentists

Abstract

Dental schools have an immense responsibility.They train dentists and typically other oral healthcare professionals for the future, which for many, if not most, can be 30–40 years hence. Exactly what will be required over this time is impossible to predict, judging by the range and impact of advances seen in recent years.The programme of instruction leading to initial registration is, and will remain, a foundation for life-long professional development rather than an end-point in itself.The need for continuing professional development and the soon to be introduced arrangements for revalidation are fundamental to the best interests of patients, let alone the future of the profession.A simple truth is that the undergraduate programme can never teach a dentist all that needs to be known about the clinical practice of dentistry, especially to a level of ‘competence’. Notwithstanding core knowledge and competencies, many topics are introduced into learning and teaching, leaving the learner to expand and develop their knowledge and understanding, according to circumstances and individual interests and requirements.This is in contrast to previous expectations that, on graduation, a dentist had knowledge and skills fit for a life-time in practice – the principle of ‘fit for independent practice’. How will dental schools continue to change and what, where and how will dental schools teach?What new challenges will this change post to Deans and Heads of schools? Many now believe that it is time to have a complete rethink and fresh approach to undergraduate dental education.