Time involvement in journal reading and a suggested facilitation.

In the field of continuing postgraduate education, the reading of professional journals is an accepted method of keeping informed in regard to new developments and contemporary thought on different philosophies of treatment. Not only is such reading realized as being an efficient educational vehicle, but there is now a growing awareness of the actual necessity for any clinician to set aside specific time to the exercise. It is not always readily apparent, however, how great the time commitment can be, even when the reading is limited to selected articles. This paper sets out to indicate in quantitative terms the time that could be expected to be utilized by both general dental practitioners and academic teachers if a thorough and conscientious perusal of the journals were to be undertaken. A practical strategy for facilitating at least part of the problem is put forward in the hope of reaching a helpful compromise.