Death education: A survey of american dental schools

With a rapidly aging population and with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) increasing the population of terminally ill patients for dentists, preparation in dealing with dying, death, and bereavement could enhance the dentist's role as a health care provider. A survey of American dental schools was performed to assess the current status of thanatology offerings in the curriculum. Results received from 97% of the schools revealed that only 7 offer anything in death and dying, and 50 have no formal death education. Eighteen dental schools, however, have plans to include thanatology in their curriculum within the next 10 years.