Academic dentistry in the 21st century: professional dental education or development of a trade guild.

ABSTRACT

Over the last decade, 10 new dental schools have been established and several more are on the drawing board for the near future. The overlying philosophy for this new generation of dental school is driven by a combination of societal and financial issues. As with many profound changes in educational philosophy, sooner or later there are always the unintended consequences that must be confronted. This article addresses several of the potential consequences.