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ISSN (Print) 1013-9052
EISSN 1658-3558
The Saudi Dental Journal,
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| Tel. |
966-1-467-7328 |
| Fax. |
933-1-467-7308 / 966-1-467-7534 |
| Email |
saudidj@ksu.edu.sa |
|
Response To An Editorial: "The Qualities of an Exemplary Dental Educator"
In the issue of the Journal (Vol. 5, No. I), Dr. Steven M. Morgano
outlined in an editorial his definition of the "Exemplary Dental
Educator".
Although I do not disagree with his basic concepts, I strongly disagree with his view of the importance of research in dental education. He correctly states that "the educator can not teach what he does not know". Dental education is clearly a complex type of education mixing manipulating technical procedures with intellectual activities. It is easy, as Dr. Morgano has done, to iorget that we work with living tissues and thus need, in addition to techniques, extensive knowledge of biology. Dr. Morgano suggests that the market of dental educators is flooded with teachers and teacher candidates. I believe the contrary is the true situation. In the United States, which I am most familiar with, we are hard pressed to find an academic teacher with a dental degree, clinical specialty training, and a Ph.D. degree. This is a sorry state of affairs making the entire foundation of higher education and research in dentistry poor. The reasons for this are several, one of which is the poor financial rewards in academia compared to clinical practice. Contrary to Dr. Morgano, I believe dental educators must have advanced training in research and have active involvement in research proiects. Only by being active in research and publication will the teacher be able to evaluate literature and teach beyond the textbook. The university teacher has two primary functions - to generate new knowledge and to transfer it to students and colleagues. Without active intellectual involvement in research both of these functions will be lost. At this point in time it is imperative to guard the standards maintained in some countries where dental academic teachers at senior ranks are required to have advanced academic training and remain active in research. Any softening of these principles would be detrimental to the dental profession. Unfortunately, Dr. Morgano's opinion is not new or unusual. If this opinion is allowed to dominate, those university leaders who suggest that dental schools do not belong in the university community will prevail. Contrary to that opinion, I believe dental education must belong to the university family and suggest that we stimulate and, with all means, help young aspiring dental educators to obtain appropriate graduate research training for a rewarding career. Larz S.W. Spangberg, DDS, PhD Diplomat, American Board of Endodontics Advisory Board Member |