hours had increased rather than decreased. A majority of deans reported some or substantial increases in clock hours in clinical sciences, practice management, research methods, and behavioral science instruction. For the next 15 years, a majority expected further increases in these areas, in clinical training at nontraditional sites, and in working with allied personnel. Twelve deans reported decreases in basic science hours, compared to 10 reporting increases. Decreases in preclinical instruction were reported by 14 deans, but 5 reported increases. A majority of deans (30) predicted that preclinical hours of instruction would drop further. The committee could not determine whether decreases in basic science hours represented a desirable pruning of marginally relevant material or a deemphasis of the scientific foundation of dentistry at a time when that base is becoming more important.

Curriculum content is influenced by the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the curriculum guidelines developed independently by the AADS. Curriculum guidelines, which are not enforceable in the same way as accreditation standards, are intended to provide useful models for dental schools