Class attitudes among dental students were studied at Louisiana State University in spring 1986, with attention to attitudes toward leadership, faculty and administration, study habits, labs and clinics, information acquisition, social life, and class unification. Class attitudes became more uniform and deeply held as the classes progressed through their training. Through strong peer group pressure, deviants are encouraged to mirror their classmates' attitudes. This results in strong class unification that is helpful in facing a strict curriculum and demanding faculty. Sometimes class attitudes are destructive. Where the class believes that cheating or unapproved shortcuts are valid means to an end, conflict with faculty is likely to ensue. Freshman and sophomores held class attitudes that were generally consistent with faculty expectations. Seniors expressed more independence than other classes, particularly in reference to faculty. Juniors were the most negative of the four classes, and it was speculated that this is a result of heavy clinical requirements for the first time and increased pressure from faculty. (Author/SW)