Community dentistry: developmental discussion approach.

In 1960, Blackerby asked the question "Why not a department of social dentistry?". Since that time most of the dental schools in the United States have made some attempt at establishing such a department. Various names were given to these departments, but the one that appears to be in the forefront is the Department of Community Dentistry. Since that time each school with such a department has strived to develop various innovative methods of teaching community dentistry to its students. When the amount of time is taken into consideration, unlike the biological and clinical sciences, time allotted to community dentistry is minimal. However, at The University of Michigan students spend 232 hours in community dentistry, which necessitates development of creative teaching techniques to maintain their interest. This paper discusses one such technique which has proven to be successful over the past 3 years. Emphasis is placed on utilizing a modified method of the developmental discussion approach in teaching a course in community dentistry to 3rd-year dental students.