The black and white of dental education in the United States: enrollment and graduation trends.

Data from the American Association of Dental Schools (AADS) and American Dental Association (ADA) were evaluated for trends in dental school enrollment and graduation. In the last 20 years, African-American enrollment has varied from a low of 4.7% (1980-1981) to a high of 6.9% (1988-1989). This figure declined to 5.2% in 1997-1998. African-American graduation percentages in the last 20 years have varied between 3.4% (1979) and 5.4% (1996). The future percentage of graduating African-American dentists is projected to decline. Historically, minority dental education institutions have educated a significant percentage of African Americans and continue to educate approximately 40% of graduating African-American dentists. Strategies to increase recruitment of African Americans include: 1. Greater support for minority primary and secondary education including the establishment of mentoring programs. 2. Dental education outreach programs to minority secondary school and college students. 3. An increase in affirmative action programs. 4. Greater support for minority dental education institutions. 5. Student loan forgiveness programs, which aid recruitment of minority faculty and dental students who either teach or serve minority communities.

Primary oral health care in black Americans: an assessment of current status and future needs.

To improve health for all in the United States by the year 2000, dental health needs must be considered a component of total health and primary care. The failure to address dental needs has reached a crisis level, particularly in the black and underserved communities throughout the nation. Data from several nationwide studies have shown that oral disease is greater in black Americans than their white counterparts. More severe periodontal disease patterns, untreated dental decay, and earlier tooth loss were observed. Key minority subgroups received less preventive care.

The placement of the umbilical venous catheter in the newborn and its relationship to the anatomy of the umbilical vein, ductus venosus and portal venous system.

The importance of lateral as well as AP views for the correct placement of the umbilical venous catheter is stressed. The position of the catheter is related to the anatomy of the ductus venosus which is demonstrated by contrast injection. Air in the portal venous system is not always indicative of a serious process.