Since 1984 the Pew National Dental Education Program has worked to bring long-term change in the U.S. system of dental education by enhancing individual dental schools' ability to understand the changing health care and higher education environments and assist them in redirecting program policies and budgets in response. (MSE)

The evolution of the Pew National Dental Education Program is discussed, focusing on the program's strategies for reform of dental education to meet new social, economic, and health care challenges. The strategic planning approach adopted is examined, and lessons learned in program development and implementation are outlined. (MSE)