Samuel R. Zwetchkenbaum, DDS, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: Awareness of dental careers among young people is critical for a robust and diverse workforce. In addition to lectures about dental careers, we sought to have a set of exercises to illustrate the hands-on nature of dental care while increasing awareness of critical dental procedures. Hands-on exercises were developed using denture teeth. One exercise involves application of fluoride varnish to anterior teeth and the other involves restoration of anterior and posterior teeth using autopolymerizing composite resin. Small kits are prepared in advance and have been used in pre-dental classes. While a comprehensive evaluation has not been done, students seem to enjoy the opportunity to perform tasks involving instruments and materials. Students seem to gain a greater understanding of the work of dental providers. Our conclusion is that denture teeth are a viable resource for exposing students to the hands-on nature of dental care. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of exercises on interest in dental careers. Participants in the roundtable will have an opportunity to work with the materials.