Alvin L. Morris

Problems Created by Research in the Advancement of Denial Education

It appears to be the universal urge of all. mIen to assume the role of critic and expound on the problems of the world about them. Therefore, you can appreciate my satisfaction with the title assigned to me for this presentation. I have been asked to describe the problems that research has created in the advancement of dental education. Your attention is called to the X-L)fact that, if I respond strictly to what has been requested l 4I (which is my intention), no solutions are to be described. Just 2 problems, no answxers-what a fine assign nment! The only factor that detracts from my pleasure with this task is the concern that mly own posture, in regard to some very furndamentil aspects of acadeinci dentist rv, may be misunderstood. Therefore, I wish to establish three basic assumptions as points of departure for what followss. In clearly expressing these personal opinions at the outset, it is hoped that later comments will be acepted in their proper context. First, I wish to express the opinion that, as part of a university the functions of a dental school are, in order of importance, teaching, research, and service. Research is a very close second, but it is second. Another assumption is that we in academic dentistry must take a positive and constructive approach to self-criticism to accomplish the most effective growth. Some will be made uncomfortable by many of the problems that will be described. Others will consider it indiscreet to air our dirty linen in the rarefied atmosphere of a national meeting such as this. In my opinion, however, it serves no useful purpose to pretend that things are different just because we wish they were so. I could not make an honest response to this assignment without describing some unattractive problems. The comments that follow, however, are not those of one who stands in judgment, but are merely observations made at one point in the history of a great profession that is making rapid strides toward a brighter future. Third, in spite of the negative intonations of a presentation on problems, I wish to emiphasize that I am convinced that the increase in dental research experienced over the past 20 years represents the most important development of our profession since the advent of dental literature during the 1840s. It is a source of great satisfaction that research in dentistry has become such an important activity that it now creates problems. Therefore, although research has created problems in the advancemenit of dental education, the overall effect is overwhelmingly positive. An attempt has been made to group the problems under discussion into two broad categories depending on whether they appear to relate primarily to the administration or to the faculty of a dental school. Before addressing myself to these two groups, some of the more fundfamiental and perhaps philosophical aspects of the subject w ill receive attention.