Abstract: PURPOSE: By evaluating the data of National Board Dental Examinations over recent 3 years, the disadvantages in the present dental education were analyzed and improvement schemes were proposed. METHODS: The enrollment system, faculty, facility and equipment were evaluated for dental schools in Hubei province from 2008 to 2010, including 4 dental schools and 7, dental professional schools. The passing rate of National Board Dental Examinations and National Board Dental Assistant Examinations were summarized. RESULTS: Lack of faculty resources and over-enrollment were found in 7 dental professional schools. In dental professional schools, the number of dental simulation units compared to number of students enrolled was as low as 1:0.15. The passing rate of National Board Dental Examinations was 27.9%-30.1%, and the passing rate of National Board Dental Assistant Examinations was 32.5%-40.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The passing rate of National Board Dental Examinations and National Board Dental Assistant Examinations is limited mainly by the lack of faculty and equipment resources and over-enrollment. We propose that basic knowledge shall be enhanced in dental professional schools. In addition, the target of education should be shot as high as that in dental schools.

Key words: National Board Dental Examinations, Dental education, Education reform