title: The continuing education business.
abstract: The success and potential of school-based continuing dental education programs has been limited because they are based on an inappropriate model. The information needs of practicing professionals are quite different from the needs of students preparing for licensure. This article describes four purposes served by information: (a) education, (b) certification, (c) network building, and (d) decision support. Dental education focuses on the first two while a broader view with emphasis on the latter two is appropriate for continuing education. The business of educating professionals is different from the business of educating candidates for the profession. An alternative conception of continuing dental education is presented based on the needs of its clients.
authors.affiliation: University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA 94115.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D003142:Communication; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States