March 2003 ■ Journal of Dental Education 293 Guest Editorial Information Transfer—The Missing Step

In order to keep current, contribute to their field, and learn the latest research and educational techniques, dental school faculty need to attend pro-fessional development meetings. The Institute of Medicine’s Report on Dental Education discussed the need for faculty development and the infrastructure needs relative to this.1 Meetings are a very effective way to dissemi-nate information to large groups. For many dental schools the faculty travel budget can equal the sal-ary of two or more full-time faculty positions. Be-cause of the cost and high demand, travel funding usually has to be rationed, so it is incumbent on schools to maximize the benefits of this funded travel. The purpose of a professional meeting is th