The basic science curriculun problem in dental education: some causes and solutions.

At present there is no established purpose generally agreed on by members of the dental profession for the basic sciences in the dental curriculum. Such a purpose, supported by the entire profession, is considered a necessary first step in improving the basic science curriculum. Substantive basic science courses should be taught by instructors, holding a Ph.D. degree. These basic science instructructors, however, need the respect of the clinical faculty in order to be effective in teaching dental students. They also need to be given professional opportunity equal to that given clinical faculty if they are to commit themselves to dental education. The role of the clinical faculty in teaching the scientific basis of clinical methods is described, and the need for cooperation and communication between the basic science and clinical faculties is emphasized. Regularly scheduled faculty workshops are recommended for this purpose. A decrease in student contact time for clinical faculty is also suggested. The dental profession, led by dental educators, with advice from other health professionals, dental students, and the general public, is the logical body to define the purpose of basic science in dental education.