Aim and ScopeOperative Dentistry publishes articles that advance the practice of operative dentistry. The scope of the journal includes conservation and restoration of teeth; the scientific foundation of operative dental therapy; dental materials; dental education; and the social, political, and economic aspects of dental practice. Review papers, book reviews, letters, and classified ads for faculty positions are also published.
Subscriptions: Fax (317) 852-3162Current pricing for individual, institutional and dental student subscriptions (both USA and all other countries) can be found at our website: www.jopdent.org, or by contacting our subscription manager:Fax 317/852-3162 E-mail: jmatis@indy.rr.com Information on single copies, back issues and reprints is also available. Make remittances payable (in US dollars only) to Operative Dentistry and send to the above address. Credit card payment (Visa, MasterCard, or JCB-Japanese equivalent) is also accepted by providing card type, card number, expiration date, and name as it appears on the card.
ContributionsContributors should study the instructions for their guidance printed in this journal and should follow them carefully.
PermissionFor permission to reproduce material from Operative Dentistry please apply to Operative Dentistry at the above address.The views expressed in Operative Dentistry do not necessarily represent those of the Academies or of the Editors.
Editorial OfficeOperative Dentistry Indiana University School of Dentistry, Room S411 1121 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Fax: (317) Dentistry, 2002, 27, 209 T he annual gatherings of the various academies in Chicago have just ended. The many opportunities for reunions that these meetings provide buoy me up and underscore the pure joy of having chosen to be a dentist. It is a time when we share ideas, experiences and concerns and it highlights the core values to which we jointly aspire. These gatherings are also a time to express the cares, concerns and frustrations that those of us in private practice, the military and academia carry in our hearts.One such concern and frustration relates to the dental educational process of tomorrow's dentists. A recent article featured in my alumni journal emphasized the dire need for alumni to offer their services in the clinical area of this Eastern school. While the plea was well put, few are accepting the challenge to teach and train future dentists. Many dentists state that choosing private practice over teaching is an issue of economics.Since private practice certainly provides greater income potential than teaching, it is easy to understand why students who incur more than $100,000 of indebtedness would have a hard time choosing an academic career over establishing their own practice. However, what about those of us who have cleared the early hurdles of indebtedness?We cannot expect the recent graduate to be adequately equipped to teach. We cannot reasonably look to private practitioners to be ready to teach if they have little or no experience in A...