Are graduates as good as they used to be?

A theme runs through discussions on dental undergraduate education, that 'they are not as good as they used to be'. Based largely on anecdotal evidence, we question whether this is true. Dentistry is changing. Today's graduates are different, but not worse. Graduates must qualify with basic competencies--agreed between all those responsible for their education. We maintain that vocational trainers are teachers, just as we are, and as such they have similar responsibilities. Close liaison between training practices and dental schools is essential.