Patient-Specific, Risk-Based Prevention, Maintenance, and Supportive Care: A Need for Action and Innovation in Education.

PURPOSE: To develop a competency-based curriculum framework for prevention, supportive care, and maintenance for use in educational and patient care programs and to seek consensus on an overarching competency statement that embraces these critical learning and patient care concepts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A preliminary survey of current preventive and maintenance practices in U.S. dental and prosthodontic programs was completed and summarized with quantitative analysis. The American College of Prosthodontists organized a one-day consensus workshop with 14 participants from various U.S. dental schools with diverse backgrounds to develop a curriculum framework. The curriculum framework was used in the development of a joint competency statement using an iterative, online consensus process of debate and feedback. RESULTS: The preliminary survey helped frame the initiative and identify potential educational needs and gaps. Consensus was achieved for a recommended competency statement: "Graduates must be competent in promoting oral health through risk assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and management of the hard tissue, soft tissue, and prostheses, and as part of professional recall and home maintenance." This competency statement complements the proposed curriculum framework designed around 3 domains-caries prevention, periodontal supportive care, and prosthesis supportive care-with a set of recommended learning objectives. CONCLUSIONS: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) learning standards do not outline patient-customized, evidence-based recall and home maintenance programs that highlight prevention of dental caries, periodontal supportive care, prosthesis maintenance, and patient education. The proposed competency-based curricular framework serves as an initial step in addressing student learning and patient care within the context of a recall system and home maintenance program while offering schools the needed flexibility for implementation within their curriculum.

Effect of brushing and thermocycling on the shade and surface roughness of CAD-CAM ceramic restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The effects of toothbrushing (B) and thermocycling (TC) on the surface texture of different materials with various fabrication processes have been investigated. However, studies of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) ceramic restorations are limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of B and TC on the color stability and surface roughness of extrinsically characterized and glazed CAD-CAM ceramic restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lithium disilicate CAD ceramic (n=90) and zirconia ceramic (n=90) were studied. All specimens were crystallized/sintered, characterized, and glazed following the manufacturer's recommendation. The specimens were divided into 9 different groups: B, TC, and a combination of B plus TC (B+TC). Brushing was performed at 50 000, 100 000, and 150 000 cycles, simulating an oral environment of 5, 10, and 15 years. Thermocycling was performed at 6000, 12 000, and 18 000 cycles, simulating an oral environment of 5, 10, and 15 years. Brushing plus TC was performed with the combination of the 50 000 cycles of B, then 6000 cycles of TC, and 10 000 cycles of B, then 12 000 cycles of TC, and 15 000 cycles of B, then 18 000 cycles of TC. The color and surface roughness of each specimen were measured before and after all interventions with simulated cycles. Color differences (ΔE) and surface roughness (ΔRa) data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA, followed by the least significant difference test (α=.05). The correlation between ΔE and ΔRa was statistically analyzed using the Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: Within the lithium disilicate CAD groups, intervention did not result in any significant differences in color change (P>.05). Within the zirconia groups, a 15-year clinical simulation revealed significantly higher ΔE values than a simulated 5-year exposure (P=.017). Increased simulated cycles showed significantly higher Ra values for all groups. Within the zirconia groups, B revealed significantly smoother surfaces than TC (P<.001) and B+TC interventions (P<.001). For the zirconia, simulating B+TC for15 years revealed significantly higher Ra values than the groups of B+TC for 5 years (P<.001) and B+TC for 10 years (P=.003). No correlation (lithium disilicate CAD, r=.079; P=.462; zirconia, r=.001; P=.989) was found between the color change and surface roughness. CONCLUSIONS: For both lithium disilicate CAD and zirconia, color changes were below the selected clinical perceptible threshold (ΔE=2.6) after all intervention and simulated cycles. All mean surface roughness measurements were below 0.2 µm. Generally, the surface of both lithium disilicate CAD and zirconia became rougher. No correlation was found between color difference and surface roughness for either material.

Women in Prosthodontics: A Brief Look at Pioneers, Leaders, and Inspirers.

There are several women pioneers in prosthodontics, and each deserves recognition and admiration for all she has achieved in helping bridge the gender gap in dentistry. Women have come a long way from being first depicted as a thieving woman assistant in early 1523 to becoming award-winning, Board-certified clinicians, program directors, department chairs, and deans of dental schools. However, current female resident membership in the American College of Prosthodontists is less than 40%. Women in leadership roles are still scarce, and advancement is still needed. This article provides a brief summary of the history of prosthodontics, highlighting prominent women prosthodontists and their stories, while providing inspiration for future prosthodontists, men as well as women.

Prosthodontics treatment considerations for methamphetamine-dependent patients.

Overt dental disease is a distinguishing comorbidity associated with methamphetamine abuse, necessitating the need for special management to maximize treatment benefits. As this highly addictive stimulant increases in popularity, it has become imperative that clinicians are equipped to thoughtfully provide comprehensive care for these patients. This article reviews the impact of methamphetamine to systemic and oral health and proposes a comprehensive treatment plan and sequence for the methamphetamine-dependent patient. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended. Destructive oral and psychological changes must be identified and controlled. A thorough risk assessment, caries control, and preventative plan should be established before initiating prosthodontic treatment. Patient motivation, support, and a timely recall schedule are integral for dental longevity.

Prosthodontic Implant Club at UIC, Program Description and Survey Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to (1) describe the Predoctoral Implant Club at UIC (PIC-UIC) mentoring model while providing a rationale for the program and (2) investigate PIC members' perception about the club and prosthodontics in general via a questionnaire and focus group discussion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey to investigate PIC members' perception regarding the club was distributed at a meeting. The survey consisted of questions about the members' prior exposure to prosthodontics, faculty, and residents; current exposure to and perceptions of prosthodontics; future outcomes from membership; and possible improvements to PIC-UIC. Four student members of PIC-UIC participated in a focus group discussion about their exposure to prosthodontics during each year of their training, their exposure to prosthodontics following PIC-UIC membership, including rotations in the advanced prosthodontic clinic, mentorships by prosthodontic faculty and residents, and attendance at the American College of Prosthodontists Annual Session. RESULTS: Following PIC-UIC membership, students indicated an increased exposure to prosthodontics and prosthodontic faculty. More than a third of the respondents indicated that they are "likely" to consider a prosthodontic residency after having joined PIC-UIC. Almost two-thirds of the respondents indicated that they would recommend PIC to students at other universities and believed their understanding of the prosthodontic specialty has increased. Students who participated in the focus group agreed they had little exposure to prosthodontics, prosthodontic faculty, and advanced restorative procedures in the beginning of their dental education. They felt that involvement in PIC-UIC was a valuable experience that helped them consider or reinforced their decision to pursue prosthodontics as a career. CONCLUSIONS: PIC-UIC increased predoctoral students' interest in prosthodontics. Involving prosthodontic faculty and residents in mentoring and educational activities was evaluated positively by students. PIC-UIC may serve as a pipeline program for predoctoral students at other dental schools.

Clinical Experience Comparison of Foreign-Trained Dentists and Domestic Dental Students: One Institution's Experience.

This study compared the clinical experiences of foreign-trained dentists (FTDs) enrolled in an Advance Standing DMD Dental Program (DMDAS) with those of the domestic dental students (DMD) at the University of Illinois Chicago, College of Dentistry (UIC-COD). A cross-sectional retrospective chart review of patients treated by 295 DMD and 253 DMDAS predoctoral dental students was completed at the UIC-COD. The data were retrieved from the electronic health record system (axiUm) for the graduated classes of 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 on various performed clinical procedures as measured by relative value units (RVUs). The retrieved data were used to compare the clinical experiences of DMDAS vs. DMD students. Descriptive (mean) and statistical (independent t-test) analyses were used (α = 0.05). The results indicated that DMD and DMDAS students had comparable clinical experiences in several disciplines, including diagnosis, prevention, direct/indirect restorations, endodontics, periodontics, complete dentures, removable partial dentures, implants/fixed partial dentures, and oral surgery. There was a statistical difference in total RVUs for diagnosis (p = 0.002) and direct restorations (p < 0.001), in which DMD students had more experience. The 28 month program for FTDs appeared to be a reasonable timeframe to obtain an adequate number of varied clinical experiences as compared with the traditional four-year program at the UIC-COD.

Development and integration of a clinical dashboard within a dental school setting.

PURPOSE: To describe the development and integration of an electronic health record-driven, student dashboard that displays real-time data relative to the students' patient management and clinic experiences at the University of Illinois Chicago, College of Dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following development and implementation of the student dashboard, various objective metrics were evaluated to identify any improvements in the clinical patient management. A cross-sectional retrospective chart review was completed of the electronic health record (axiUm, Exan, Coquitlam, BC, Canada) from January 2019 to April 2022 evaluating four performance metrics: student lockouts, note/code violations, overdue active patients, and overdue recall patients. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to assess the normal distribution of data. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis tests for potential differences between pre-dashboard and post-dashboard implementation years with the mean overdue active/recall patient to student ratio variables. Mann-Whitney U-tests for between-groups comparisons with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons were performed (α = 0.05). Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the student utilization frequency of the dashboard. RESULTS: Post-implementation analysis indicated a slight decrease in the number of lockouts and note/code violation; and a statistically significant decrease in overdue active patients post-dashboard (P < 0.001). On average, students accessed their dashboards 3.3 times a week. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a student dashboard through the electronic health record platform within an academic dental practice has the potential to assist students with patient management and is utilized regularly by the students.

Compressed 4-day workweek for dental faculty retention and recruitment.

Faculty recruitment and retention are major concerns faced by dental schools across the country. This increase in faculty shortage impacts training the next generation of clinicians and oral health care delivery in dental institutions, which together will exacerbate challenges related to access to dental care. The objective of this paper is to propose a compressed workweek as an incentive to improve recruitment, retention, and faculty well-being. There are several well-documented benefits of the 4-day workweek which include employee wellness, increased job satisfaction, happiness, and improved perception of personal worth. Cost savings may be also realized with this schedule, as expenses related to transportation and dependent care costs could potentially decrease. Altogether, these benefits have been shown to lead to reduced absenteeism, anxiety, stress, and burnout. This perspective piece will discuss how the 4-day workweek could be implemented in dental institutions, along with the benefits and challenges. Given the shortage of clinical faculty throughout the United States, we recommend this approach not only as a means to attract recent graduates to academia but also to ensure the retention of those who provide clinical instruction.

An alternative approach in fabrication of fixed complete dentures using a duplicate denture.

The traditional prosthetic steps in the fabrication of a fixed complete denture after implant osseointegration include final impression, verification of implant positioning in the working cast, mounting of the working cast, and mock denture wax trial insertion prior to the laboratory fabrication of the metal substructure; however, in patient scenarios of immediate loading of implants, the interim conversion prosthesis can be used to advance from the final impression to the milling of the underlying framework in one appointment. Consistency in the initial wax trial insertion, radiographic guide, and intraoral positioning of the conversion prosthesis can result in a well-designed definitive prosthesis in less time with the use of the existing duplicate complete denture.

The impact of obesity on prosthodontic treatment.

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and an increasing public health concern that has a negative impact on both overall systemic and oral health. At the same time, the need for prosthodontic treatment has increased and has been projected to be more in demand in the future. It has also been predicted that the need to provide prosthodontic treatment to an increasing number of obese patients may become routine. However, delivering prosthodontic treatment to obese patients may be a challenge due to their anatomy, physiology, and physical characteristics. It is important to recognize the potential comorbidities and assist patients in seeking necessary help. It may be necessary to modify hardware, equipment, techniques, treatment positions, and/or prosthodontic protocols to ensure that these patients receive the proper care and avoid unforeseen complications. An obese patient with a compromised medical history and complex dental status may be managed best by a multidisciplinary team approach.

Student-perceived factors for an enhanced advanced education program in prosthodontics recall system.

PURPOSE: A qualitative study of Advanced Education Programs in Prosthodontics (AEPPs) students was conducted to identify best practices to effectively promote ongoing health and student learning within the context of a patient-centered recall system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten students from seven AEPPs nationwide were invited to participate in a focus group on recall systems within AEPPs. The discussion first identified whether an active recall program existed and then delved into benefits for patients and students, positive and negative features of existing recall systems, and factors that can be improved upon for an enhanced recall system. RESULTS: Participants advocated the highest standard of patient care, including regular ongoing care once restorative therapy is complete. Discussion indicates that not only does regular patient recall lead to health promotion, disease prevention, and monitoring of existing prostheses for the patient, but also provides for an enhanced learning experience for the students. Recognizing this, several students from AEPPs lacking an official recall system have established a "makeshift" system, encompassing a treatment completion letter, final intraoral photographs, patient education, and regular prosthetic evaluations, for their existing patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prosthodontic program students perceived their program's recall effectiveness could be improved. Due to the numerous potential benefits of an active recall system for both patients and students, some perceived factors to be improved upon include treatment completion protocol, patient education, and establishment of a patient-centered recall system managed by a team of hygienists, receptionists, attending faculty, and residents.

Program director perceived factors for an enhanced advanced education program in prosthodontics recall system.

PURPOSE: A survey study of program directors in Advanced Education Programs in Prosthodontics (AEPPs) was conducted to determine the barriers to and factors that can lead to an enhanced patient-centered recall system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surveys were sent to AEPP directors across the United States to assess their program's recall protocol. This survey first identified whether an active recall program existed. Based on the existence of recall, the survey then delved into benefits of recall systems for patients and residents, barriers to the formation of a successful recall system, and factors that can be improved upon for an enhanced recall system. RESULTS: Thirty-two of the 45 programs responded; however, only 28 of the surveys were completed entirely, giving a response rate of 62%. Of these 32 programs, 19 (59.4%) reported having a recall system. A majority of the AEPPs with recall (87.5%) indicated that their system can be further improved. Almost all of the programs without recall (91.7%) indicated that if solutions to the most common barriers to recall were found, they would like to implement one within their program. Some hindrances faced by all programs included budget for initiating and maintaining a recall system, personnel to perform hygiene, a patient tracking system, patient education, and time allocation in the residents' curriculum. Mann-Whitney analyses indicated no statistically significant difference in each factor between programs with and without a recall system. Power analysis suggested that differences in perceived barriers between programs with and without recall systems may have been found if the response rate was 71% or greater. Necessary budget and facilities for initiating or maintaining a recall system may be the greatest difference in barrier importance between programs with and without recall. CONCLUSIONS: Prosthodontic program directors perceived their program's recall system could be improved. If solutions to the most common hindrances were found, almost all program directors desired to establish a recall system within their AEPP. Therefore, a pilot recall system could be valuable in identifying these solutions in establishing an effective recall system for prosthodontic programs within the context of patient health promotion, program curriculum, and financial ramifications.

Patient recall in advanced education in prosthodontics programs in the United States.

PURPOSE: This study surveyed program directors of Advanced Education Programs in Prosthodontics (AEPP) in the United States to determine the extent, type, incidence, and perceived effectiveness of implemented recall systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surveys were sent to AEPP directors across the United States to assess their program's recall protocol. This survey first identified whether an active recall program existed. For programs with recall systems, rigor in promoting ongoing oral health was surveyed by focusing on recall frequency, patient tracking protocol, involved personnel, interaction with other university departments, provided clinical procedures, and therapy completion protocol. Whether the directors perceived that their recall system was successful was also investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-three of 46 programs responded, giving a response rate of 72%. Of these 33 programs, only 21 (64%) had an active recall system, although 30 (91%) believed recall to be important. Twelve (57%) directors with recall programs considered their system to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: Prosthodontic program directors felt their program's recall effectiveness could be improved. Due to the numerous potential benefits of an active recall system, AEPPs should consider implementing or enhancing their recall programs. Further studies are indicated to determine specific criteria that describe an effective recall system for prosthodontic programs within the context of patient health promotion, program curriculum, and financial ramifications.

Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes of Implant-Supported Fixed Complete Dental Prostheses: A Comparison of Metal-Acrylic, Milled Zirconia, and Retrievable Crown Prostheses.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of biologic and technical complications for implant-supported fixed complete dental prostheses (IFCDPs) and their relationship to oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) and patient-reported outcomes. Metal-acrylic (MA), retrievable crown (RC), monolithic zirconia (MZ), and porcelain veneered zirconia (PVZ) prostheses were included. Patients who received an IFCDP at least 1 year prior to recall were identified. Exclusion criteria were: (1) an opposing complete denture and (2) time in service >70 months. A total of 37 patients with 49 prostheses, including 22 MA, 14 RC, 7 MZ, and 6 PVZ prostheses were recalled. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed via OHIP-49 (Oral Health Impact Profile) and a scripted interview with open-ended questions. All designs had high complication rates (12 of 22 MA, 10 of 14 RC, 2 of 7 MZ, and 5 of 6 PVZ). The most common complications were: (1) MA: posterior tooth wear, (2) RC: chipping and fracturing of the restorations, (3) MZ: wear of opposing restorations, and (4) PVZ: chipping of opposing restorations. Average OHIP-49 scores ranged from 7 to 29, indicating high OHQoL, patient satisfaction, regardless of prosthetic design ( P = .16). The standardized interview highlighted that although most patients were extremely satisfied (73%), some continued to be bothered by material bulk (14%) and felt that maintenance of oral hygiene was excessively time-consuming (16%). In the context of this study, despite high complication rates and maintenance needs, all IFCDP designs resulted in high OHQoL and patient satisfaction.

Integration of Digital Dentistry into a Predoctoral Implant Program: Program Description, Rationale, and Utilization Trends.

A recently revised predoctoral implant curriculum at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry integrated digital dentistry into both the preclinical dental implant course and clinical activities. Traditionally, competence in the didactic and clinical parts of predoctoral education in single tooth implant restorations has emphasized the analog impression technique and subsequent mounting of soft tissue working casts. However, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) implant restorations can play a significant role in predoctoral dental education utilizing digital technologies. The goal of the curriculum expansion is to transition from analog to partially digital and, finally, complete digital workflow. The aim of this article is to describe the specific components, implementation, and rationale for the new digitally integrated implant curriculum and present short-term clinical utilization trends.

Retrospective Analysis of Implant Overdenture Treatment in the Advanced Prosthodontic Clinic at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of implant-supported overdenture treatment provided by prosthodontic specialty residents. Twenty-three patients with 25 implant-supported overdentures (IODs) participated in the study. Seventy-four implants were placed by periodontic, prosthodontics, or oral and maxillofacial surgery students. All prostheses were fabricated in the advanced prosthodontics clinic at University of Illinois at Chicago. The condition of the peri-implant soft tissue, implants, and prostheses were evaluated. Complications and any maintenance were documented. Patients completed an oral health impact profile-14 and semantic differential scale questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software. Twenty mandibular and 5 maxillary IODs were evaluated. Ninety-seven percent of the attachments were locators (Zest Anchors) and 3% ball attachments. None of the implants had lost osseointegration, but 14 implants (19%) had developed marginal bone loss in one-third of the implant length or more. Fourteen (19%) implants had developed dehiscence, which ranged from 1 to 4 mm. A variation in the width of the keratinized tissue, gingival, plaque, and calculus index was observed. There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of plaque and the bleeding on probing on the buccal aspect of implants (P = .012). The incidence of dehiscence was significantly higher on the midfacial when the keratinized tissue was less than 2 mm (P < .0001). The majority of the complications were prosthetic in nature, such as broken denture teeth (74%) and worn or loose matrices (35%). Debris was observed in 19% of the locator abutments, and 36% of the overdentures were not stable in application of anterior force. Patients were compliant with oral hygiene protocols and their chewing ability was high (mean = 8.0). The overall experience was pleasant (mean = 7.5); the treatment provided good esthetics (mean = 8.3) and great satisfaction (mean = 8.5). From an educational and clinical perspective, IOD therapy has been documented to be a predictable and successful treatment option. Patients should be informed of the required maintenance and the possible complications related to IOD therapy.

Advanced predoctoral implant program at UIC: description and qualitative analysis.

Dental implant education has increasingly become an integral part of predoctoral dental curricula. However, the majority of implant education emphasizes the restorative aspect as opposed to the surgical. The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry has developed an Advanced Predoctoral Implant Program (APIP) that provides a select group of students the opportunity to place implants for single-tooth restorations and mandibular overdentures. This article describes the rationale, logistics, experiences, and perspectives of an innovative approach to provide additional learning experiences in the care of patients with partial and complete edentulism using implant-supported therapies. Student and faculty perspectives on the APIP were ascertained via focus group discussions and a student survey. The qualitative analysis of this study suggests that the select predoctoral dental students highly benefited from this experience and intend to increase their knowledge and skills in implant dentistry through formal education following graduation. Furthermore, the survey indicates that the APIP has had a positive influence on the students' interest in surgically placing implants in their future dental practice and their confidence level in restoring and surgically placing implants.

Are predoctoral students able to provide single tooth implant restorations in the maxillary esthetic zone?

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry (UIC-COD) predoctoral students to provide single tooth implant (STI) prostheses in the maxillary esthetic zone. The patient's esthetic satisfaction and the correlation between prosthodontists' and patients' perspectives were examined. Twenty-seven patients were recruited for recall examinations at the UIC-COD predoctoral implant program and underwent clinical and radiographic examination with clinical photographs of the implant sites. The patients completed a semantic differential scale questionnaire. The collected information was formulated into a PowerPoint presentation for two Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontists to use the Pink/White Esthetic Score (PES/WES) to evaluate the esthetic outcome. Descriptive analyses, Cohen kappa test, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient test were performed. The average PES/WES were above 6.0 (out of 10). The median for the patient satisfaction and esthetic outcome questionnaires were 10 and 9, respectively, on a scale with 10=highest. There was a medium and positive correlation between prosthodontists' and patients' perspectives in esthetic outcome. This study found that, with strict guidance and proper selection criteria, predoctoral students were able to provide esthetically acceptable STI prostheses in the maxillary esthetic zone and patients were satisfied with the treatment provided.

Current status of patient recall in U.S. predoctoral dental school clinics.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)'s revised standard 2-23, which went into effect in July 2013, requires U.S. dental graduates to be competent in "evaluation of the outcomes of treatment, recall strategies, and prognosis." To assess the way dental schools are implementing this revised recommendation, a survey was conducted to assess the existence of recall systems in the schools' clinics and factors enhancing or hindering the formation of an effective recall system. Surveys were returned from thirty-five dental schools (54.7 percent response rate). Results showed that most institutions had active recall systems and the respondents believed that program effectiveness can be further improved. Suggested improvements included patient education and tracking patient recall appointments. The results indicate that recall systems exist in predoctoral dental education programs, have high student involvement, and vary among schools.

Dentistry and obesity: a review and current status in U.S. predoctoral dental education.

Obesity has become an epidemic and a public health concern in the United States and many other countries around the world. The impact of obesity on individuals' overall and oral health and its influence on dental treatment protocols and postoperative procedures have been well documented. It is therefore important for dentists to understand and recognize obesity, educate their patients on its associated risks, promote a healthy lifestyle for their patients, and modify any necessary dental treatments and postoperative procedures for obese patients. To investigate the current practice of obesity assessment in U.S. dental school clinics and the inclusion of obesity topics in predoctoral dental curricula, surveys were sent to all sixty-two U.S. dental schools. Thirty-five surveys were returned but one was blank because the institution is newly established, so the total number used for analysis was thirty-four. The results showed that the topic of obesity has been incorporated into predoctoral dental curricula and is thought to be important for dentists and dental students by most respondents. However, the majority do not routinely measure weight and height, nor calculate Body Mass Index for comprehensive care patients in their predoctoral dental clinics. The authors argue that the topic of obesity should be emphasized in predoctoral dental curricula and that assessments of obesity should be practiced in predoctoral dental clinics.