The Role of Human Factors in Dental Education

Current projections of the growth in demand for dental treatment services in the United States indicate that the increase in demand anticipated by the end of the coming decade will far outstrip the expected growth in the number of practicing dental professionals. A significant increase in the productivity of the average practitioner is necessary if the anticipated demand for services is to be met. More efficient means of delivering high quality dental service must be developed and reflected in the training of dental and dental auxiliary students. Current research and development activities in dental education toward this goal are described. Some areas of dental education particularly amenable to human factors technology are considered. Suggestions are offered for means whereby the human factors community can become more closely acquainted with the goals of dental education programs and contribute effectively to the attainment of these goals.