Dental education and practice in the 21st century: opportunities for excellence.

This study describes the environment that can be expected for dental education and dental practice as the 21st century approaches. The study uses data from many sources, including the recent report from the Institute of Medicine, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the variables that will affect dental education and practice in the next decade. Dental education and practice will be able to thrive if the new forces are carefully examined and the challenges are met promptly.