A four-year longitudinal study of the impact on learning structure on dental student lifestyle values.

Acquiring values is an important part in the education of dental students. This study describes how the values of 109 dental students changed over four years in the dental school's learning environment. Data describe the dental school learning environment as highly teacher-centered, in which authority is vested in faculty, in which activities are highly programmed, and in which communication is one-way, teacher-to-student. The data also indicate significant changes in dental students' values after four years in this environment. Learning from and sharing with others, interpersonal communication, and close relationships with others are valued less by students while more value is placed on their own interests and goals.