A new era of dental education at the University of Sydney, Australia

This article discusses the factors influencing the development of the University of Sydney dental program. Issues discussed include changing community requirements and expectations, globalisation and the role of the world wide web, the relationship between medicine and dentistry, the specific requirements of dental education, contemporary learning methods, the importance of clinical stimulation and the development of vocational training programs. The article outlines the implementation of a new graduate entry problem based learning (PBL) curriculum at the University of Sydney. The prerequisite program of study is a primary degree in any discipline, and there is sharing of 'core' content in the first two years with the University of Sydney medical program. Assessment is integrated, by theme, and is intended to be largely formative and ongoing. The article outlines selection procedures and central themes of the program.