Infrastructure for a community-based dental education program: students and clinics.

The infrastructure of a community-based dental education program is important to its success. Thorough preparation of students for the community experience and careful selection of community clinical sites are indispensable. Student training in cultural competence, early community exposure, third-year clinical training, assignment of students to rotations, transportation, and housing all need careful attention. When selecting sites for the community rotation, it is important to have detailed site criteria or a wish list, a memorandum of understanding, and awareness of legal liability issues.