There was something rather elitist and snobbish about the process, but that is the way it was. There were few choices available among these subjects. Although different instructors may have taught these classes, the content and delivery was very similar. Students, therefore, had a shared knowledge and experience which led to discussions about philosophers, authors and artists whose subject matter concerned right and wrong, integrity, and noble goals. Over the years the basic tenets of the college experience have changed - without opinionating as to better or worse, it is clearly different.
College is seen more as a preparation for a career than for life.
The early declaration of a major is important to achieving your goals. Perhaps as we design the curriculum for the years to come, it is more important than ever that we create a shared experience, along with shared values, for our students. Such an approach will allow for their ideas about integrity and professional ethics, to be consistent with those values that make dentistry the respected profession that it is. It is clear that our society values education. More people are obtaining post-high school education than ever before.