This paper presents information about how tenure decisions are made in dental schools and examines dental deans' opinions regarding the value of the tenure system. Deans view teaching ability and scholarly accomplishments as the most important factors in tenure decisions. The tenure process usually involves a series of reviews by different groups of individuals. Deans perceive tenured faculty as having the greatest degree of influence in the decision to award or deny tenure. In addition, deans regard tenure as motivating younger faculty members to achieve excellence in teaching and scholarship. Deans also feel that the award of tenure is not detrimental to the continued productivity of faculty members.