A distance learning programme: 'managing health services'

Management education is important in general dental practice, community and hospital dentistry. Such education can be acquired via open learning. The distance learning programme, the Managing Health Services Course, offered by The Open Business School of the Open University is recognised by the Institute of Health Services Management and the Committee of Regional Advisers in General Medical Practice for England. The course material, contemporary teaching methods, the level of commitment and the eventual rewards are discussed in this article.