Outcomes from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Dental Faculty Development Program.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: While the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requires programs to conduct faculty development, implementation of faculty development activities vary widely. Faculty development programs can enhance teaching, research, and leadership skills needed to transition from clinical practice to teaching. In 2012, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funded 6 institutions to plan, develop, and operate programs for training oral healthcare providers who plan to teach in general, pediatric, public health dentistry, or dental hygiene. This performance study examines the results of the dental faculty development programs. METHODS: After the 5-year grant program (2012-2017), we used descriptive analysis to examine annual performance data including trainee demographics, faculty development activities, post-completion intentions, and course development activities. RESULTS: Nearly 300 trainees participated across 6 funded grantees; the majority were female, aged 30-49 years, and non-Hispanic White. For those who completed, 80% intended to teach. Common faculty development activities included community-based training, curriculum enhancements, Web-based training, and interprofessional education methods. Faculty development modalities included faculty seminars, Master's degrees, and mentoring. Pipeline activities, online resources, and continuing education supported dental students and providers moving into academics. CONCLUSIONS: Faculty development better prepares individuals to compete in academic environments and develop faculty. Community-based programs may utilize faculty development to recruit community preceptors and achieve calibration. HRSA investment in faculty development programs builds resources and infrastructure to promote continuing engagement in clinical education, research, and administrative skills. Future research is needed to establish the impact of faculty development initiatives on practice change and patient outcomes.

Titanium Mesh Grafting Combined with Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 for Alveolar Reconstruction.

There are several methods of regenerating the maxillary and mandibular ridge to achieve orthoalveolar form with bone grafting procedures, including block onlay grafting and guided bone regeneration. Traditionally, guided bone regeneration has focused on creating a space for bone regeneration to occur. The use of a formed titanium mesh to regenerate alveolar defects was popularized in the 1980s. With the advent of other adjuncts, such as resorbable membranes, and growth factors, such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2, the predictability of the procedure has increased and a wide variety of defects can be restored using this technology.