[Promote the development of dental education via National Board Dental Examinations].
OBJECTIVE
By evaluating the data of National Board Dental Examinations over recent 3 years, the disadvantages in the present dental education were analyzed and improvement schemes were proposed.


METHODS
The enrollment system, faculty, facility and equipment were evaluated for dental schools in Hubei province from 2008 to 2010, including 4 dental schools and 7, dental professional schools. The passing rate of National Board Dental Examinations and National Board Dental Assistant Examinations were summarized.


RESULTS
Lack of faculty resources and over-enrollment were found in 7 dental professional schools. In dental professional schools, the number of dental simulation units compared to number of students enrolled was as low as 1:0.15. The passing rate of National Board Dental Examinations was 27.9%-30.1%, and the passing rate of National Board Dental Assistant Examinations was 32.5%-40.7%.


CONCLUSIONS
The passing rate of National Board Dental Examinations and National Board Dental Assistant Examinations is limited mainly by the lack of faculty and equipment resources and over-enrollment. We propose that basic knowledge shall be enhanced in dental professional schools. In addition, the target of education should be shot as high as that in dental schools.
Educational Affairs Office, School of Stomatology Wuhan University. Wuhan, 430079; China.E-mail:yangxuewen._1962@163.com.
Xue-wen
XW
Yang
Zhuan
Z
Bian
Yan
Y
Wang
Bao-jun
BJ
Tai
Ling-ya
LY
Yao
D002681:China; D004497:Education, Dental; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D012575:Schools, Dental