Dental licensure revisited
Article Abstract:
The dental licensing examination presents several serious problems, but there are potential solutions. Dentists question its validity because in recent years, one half or more of graduating students have failed the examination, including graduates acknowledged by their peers to be superior practitioners. An appeals process and opportunity for remedial training for failing students is lacking. The test is given locally, which makes it difficult for dentists who wish to relocate. The examination uses live patients, which raises ethical questions, especially if the point of the test is to reveal incompetence. Some limited steps are being taken. Some regional boards are talking about developing a common clinical examination, which would help dentists wanting to relocate. There is also talk about developing an interactive clinical simulation that would replace live patients.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1996
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The great dental give-away
Article Abstract:
A 1997 survey by the American Dental Association contradicts the notion that dentists are not charitable. Two-thirds of the dentists surveyed provided treatment free or at a discount. On average, these dentists treated 42 patients free of charge every year and provided discounted rates to 103 patients. Most of the patients were poor or elderly. The cost of this charitable care may total $4 billion per year, which is about 10% of all dental costs. Several dental offices have combined with groups providing other community services.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1999
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Advances in biorestorative materials. What does the future hold?
Article Abstract:
The editor of the journal conducts an interview with Dr. Karl Leinfeld about such technical issues as the future use of amalgam and bonding agents. They discuss toxicity and allergic reactions to resins and the possibility of new restorative materials, as well as computer-generation in restoration and bridges made without use of metals.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2000
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