THE ADOLESCENTS ON THE INTERNET: A REFLECTION ON VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES This article presents partial results of a study conducted with

some Orkut communities formed by adolescents. It also wonders if virtual communities work as a space for expression of singularities, contributing to the formation of reflective and critical adolescents, or, rather, they serve to their segregation to the consumer market. Also, it presents some data collected from the communities of Orkut and a reflection on this research, based on social psychology, psychoanalysis, sociology and philosophy authors that examine contemporary culture. Then it concludes that, despite the different uses of social networking, there is in these communities the prevalence of a standardization of speeches, images and social meanings, a segregationist logic that erases the singularities. Palavras-chave: Communities; Orkut; Adolescence; Contemporary.

FROM BEDSIDE TO BLACKBOARD: THE BENEFITS OF TEACHING MOLECULAR BIOLOGY WITHIN A MEDICAL CONTEXT Courses in molecular biology are part of practically every degree program in medicine and the life sciences. Historically, many basic discoveries in this field have resulted from investigations by doctors into the nature of diseases. This essay suggests that medical educators deliberately incorporate such material, whether historical or contemporaneous, into their molecular and cell biology courses. An example of such usage, an early report of the detection of bacteriophage activity on pathogenic bacteria, is discussed in detail. Such an approach can potentially narrow the perceived gap between "basic" and "applied" science. As medicine is so intimately and obviously linked with human welfare, this also provides an avenue for educators to discuss issues of scientific integrity and ethics within a "pure science" course.

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL SERVICES IN RURAL AMERICA As the science of medicine progresses, associations between good oral health and improved health status are being documented. However, the data would suggest that individuals in America's rural communities are experiencing dramatic health problems because they are not receiving dental treatment. This article addresses the importance of dental services in rural communities and highlights the importance of cooperation among hospitals, individual clinical providers, community health care organizations, and governmental entities. It will also discuss why there is a shortage in these rural areas and how the shortage is affecting rural communities and will address some strategies for solving this crisis. This research on the availability of dental care in rural communities will provide a framework for community leaders, elected officials, and health care providers to collect and analyze data to support future decision making in response to community health care needs. Such decisions increase the quality and efficiency of health care services, thereby safeguarding the health status of the population. This study found that the capability for hospital-based dental care services is greater in urban communities, whereas rural communities have significantly less capability for hospital dental care. This would support the premise that the availability of dental services is inconsistent across the United States and that dental care resources could be allocated to provide a consistent level of services across the population. It also emphasizes the importance of building innovative partnerships among local, state, and national organizations to ensure that an appropriate level of dental care is available in rural America. The study has managerial implications on meeting the demand for dental care in rural communities and policy implications on future resource allocation.