Producing the next generation of professional educators in pediatric dentistry.

We will see an abundance of eager, well-prepared aspiring academic pediatric dentists only when the market forces make this decision more rational for the best and the brightest. Until then, our challenge is to show interested students the excitement and vitality of this career path through our own examples. Then, once those few are intrigued, it is incumbent upon the system to be prepared to foster their interest and help them improve their skills so they are prepared to be successful in the academic environment. In addition, supplementation of teaching efforts may come from other creative avenues. Potential additional sources are found in experienced clinicians as well as modern, media-based instructional packages.