Dental Education at the Crossroads: a report by the Institute of Medicine

Article Abstract:

Changes in the dental education system are necessary to ensure the adequate preparation of future dental professionals. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) assessed the dental education system and issued recommendations for change. The dental profession must align itself closely with the medical profession. Medical advances and the needs of an aging population necessitate this partnership. Educators must reflect the positive aspects of dental practice through the establishment of patient-friendly, efficient dental school clinics. Clinical learning should provide students with greater patient quantity and a breadth of experience. Dental schools must prove their worth to their parent institutions and must establish commonality with their larger body. Continued accreditation and licensure reforms are required to remedy existing deficiencies. Dental schools must test different educational models and experiment with various methods to assess dental practice and performance.

Reports, Education, Study and teaching, Dentists, Dentistry, Institute of Medicine, Dental education

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Immunologic and viral markers of HIV-1 disease progression: implications for dentistry

Article Abstract:

Dentists can use information about an HIV patient's immune status and viral load to determine what dental care they might need. As HIV infection progresses, the amount of virus in the patient's blood increases and the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases. This puts the patient at risk of an opportunistic infection caused by immunosuppression. More than 20 of these infections can affect the mouth. These patients might need more frequent dental exams.

Risk factors, Physiological aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections

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Extending Medicare coverage to medically necessary dental care

Article Abstract:

Congress should extend Medicare to pay for dental services for patients with head and neck cancer or leukemia who will be receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Usually this care is given to prevent or treat the adverse oral effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Care and treatment, Finance, Complications and side effects, Dental care, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Oral hygiene, Medicare

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