Linking postdoctoral general dentistry programs with community-based clinical care settings.

This article presents the results of a small workgroup convened by the American Association of Dental Schools to examine experiences related to establishing and conducting dental education programs that have significant affiliations with community-based clinical care settings. The workgroup meeting is a component of the association's effort to identify and promote innovative and non-traditional methods by which the number of postdoctoral general dentistry (PGD) positions can be increased to meet current demand for PGD education. The participants identified factors and conditions believed to be critical to successful program linkages. The information should be helpful to others as they consider opportunities to establish PGD programs or increase their number of PGD training positions.