title: Anticipating the future and change.
abstract: As in all of medicine, there are basic assumptions underlying the present system of dental education and delivery. These basic assumptions are facing challenges due in part to the marked reduction in the incidence of caries and the development of more effective therapies. This current period of time is described as an era of true change, rather than the mere modification of existing technology. Changes are going to occur in a number of areas. The move will be from government to private, from small to large, from generalist to specialist. Since change is inevitable, one can learn about and prepare for the stress of change, the changes happening now, and how to adapt to change. Although many changes are beyond the individual's control, their occurrence may be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Affective Disorders Program, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Blazer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003657:Decision Making; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D011364:Professional Practice; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends*; D011635:Public Health Administration; D011636:Public Health Dentistry / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D012648:Self Care; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013672:Technology