Recent changes in the dental curriculum in Japan.

Information on curriculum changes was obtained from 25 of Japan's 29 dental schools. Twelve of the schools reported changes in the last 5 years. There has been some extension of inter-disciplinary teaching, more integration of previously separate courses and improved orientation at the beginning of new courses. Japanese dental education has not been influenced by significant changes in dental disease for the changes noted in other industrialized countries have not yet made an impact in Japan. Among aims for the future are (1) to shift curriculum emphasis from dental caries to periodontal disease, (2) to develop a better understanding of the dental needs of the elderly (3) and to improve the comprehension of relevant general health problems. An extensive internship programme has recently been introduced in Japan.