A dental school and a bank: partnership for community service.

The University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry/Nara Bank, a public-private partnership, is a model of collaboration between an academic institution and the private finance world. At the outset, none of those involved anticipated these diverse entities would have common ground. But through a series of open and frank discussions, the leadership of the School of Dentistry and Nara Bank identified business opportunities that are not only mutually beneficial, but also central to their respective core values of providing community service.

Analysis of federal support for postgraduate general dentistry.

We compared the funding granted by the federal government between 1985 and 1997 to stimulate the growth of AEGD and GPR programs across HRSA regions, states, and populations. Information regarding the number, size, and location of programs available during the time period of 1985 to 1997 was collected. During this period, although the number of programs remained constant, the composition of the programs changed, with AEGD programs increasing by 113 percent and GPR programs decreasing by 13 percent.

Views of practicing dentists regarding a mandatory fifth year of training.

As part of a U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration-funded evaluation of the impact of federal funding on postgraduate general dentistry programs, a random sample of 6,725 dentists graduating in 1989, 1993, and 1997 were surveyed regarding practice patterns, advanced training, populations served, services provided, and their position on a mandatory fifth year of training.

Gender differences in career and practice patterns of PGD-trained dentists.

This study compares differences by gender in the practice patterns and professional activities of general dentists, specialists, and dentists with Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) or General Practice Residency (GPR) training. The UCLA School of Dentistry surveyed a random sample of 6,725 dentists graduating from dental school in 1989, 1993, and 1997 as part of an evaluation of the impact of federal funding on postgraduate general dentist (PGD) programs. The survey asked about current practice, services referred and provided, and professional activities.

Characteristics of civilian postdoctoral general dentistry programs.

U.S. civilian (non-VA/non-military) Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and General Practice Residency (GPR) programs were identified (n=208) and surveyed.

Curriculum emphasis and resident preparation in postgraduate general dentistry programs.

In 1999 HRSA contracted with the UCLA School of Dentistry to evaluate the impact of federal funding on postgraduate general dentistry programs. Part of that evaluation analyzed curriculum emphasis and preparation of incoming residents in advanced general dentistry programs over a five-year period. Directors of 208 civilian AEGD and GPR programs were surveyed about the curriculum content of their programs, increased or decreased emphasis in thirty subject areas, and resident preparation and quality (GPA and National Board scores).

Injury prevention for the practice of dentistry.

There is an abundance of dental professionals with work-related pain and dysfunction. Dentistry poses a huge challenge because of the ergonomics of dental work. The biggest risk factors are the awkward prolonged seated postures with no back support and the limited range of motion and isometric muscle contraction created by working in a confined area, namely the mouth.