Community-Based Dental Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Since 2002, community-ba ed education at the Univer ity of Illinois at Chicago College of Denti try (COD) has evolved from non-exi tent to a robust program that is an essential component of the predoctoral program. A part of the college's curricular innovation, community-ba ed education has demonstrated alignment of the COD's mi sion with that of our parent institution, contributed significantly to student learning and preparedness, and enhanced clinic experiences and revenue. Student interest and support have been and continue to be enthusiastic and valued. The faculty has been generally supportive, but properly focused on demonstrated student learning outcomes. This faculty observation and evaluation, supported by evidence, has resulted in the faculty's rethinking traditional teaching and learning strategies, allowing innovative educational changes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]