title: The evolution of dental education as a profession, 1936-2011, and the role of the journal of dental education.
abstract: This article describes selected changes in dental education from 1936 to 2011 and describes how the Journal of Dental Education (JDE) has assisted in both reporting and, at times, championing change. The review provides a series of selective contextual milestones as a backdrop and running commentary for the changing profession of dental education. An assessment of the current state of knowledge in this field is articulated, as are some of the drivers of change. The article poses a series of questions in seven categories that define the extraordinary opportunities ahead. A vision of the future of the JDE and dental education is described including the use of the journal as a futurist forum to educate, cajole, and advocate for continuous movement toward realizing an enlightened destiny.
authors.affiliation: College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA. ddominic@nova.edu
authors.forename: Dominick P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Depaola
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation / Q000266:history; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000266:history*; D012575:Schools, Dental / Q000266:history; D014481:United States