diff --git a/django/db/models/manipulators.py b/django/db/models/manipulators.py
index 75994f203d..f0055018ab 100644
--- a/django/db/models/manipulators.py
+++ b/django/db/models/manipulators.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ from django.db.models.exceptions import BadCommand
 from django.dispatch import dispatcher
 from django.db.models import signals
 from django.utils.functional import curry
-from django.utils.datastructures import dot_expand, MultiValueDict
+from django.utils.datastructures import DotExpandedDict, MultiValueDict
 import types
 
 def add_manipulators(sender):
@@ -79,7 +79,6 @@ class AutomaticManipulator(forms.Manipulator):
 
     def save(self, new_data):
         # TODO: big cleanup when core fields go -> use recursive manipulators.
-        from django.utils.datastructures import DotExpandedDict
         params = {}
         for f in self.opts.fields:
             # Fields with auto_now_add should keep their original value in the change stage.
diff --git a/django/utils/datastructures.py b/django/utils/datastructures.py
index 818e5b90f2..4ad7bc52da 100644
--- a/django/utils/datastructures.py
+++ b/django/utils/datastructures.py
@@ -224,18 +224,3 @@ class DotExpandedDict(dict):
                 current[bits[-1]] = v
             except TypeError: # Special-case if current isn't a dict.
                 current = {bits[-1] : v}
-
-def dot_expand(key_to_list_mapping, dict_factory=dict):
-    top = dict_factory()
-
-    for k, v in key_to_list_mapping.items():
-        current = top
-        bits = k.split('.')
-        for bit in bits[:-1]:
-            current = current.setdefault(bit, dict_factory())
-        # Now assign value to current position
-        try:
-            current[bits[-1]] = v
-        except TypeError: # Special-case if current isn't a dict.
-            current = dict_factory( (bits[-1], v) )
-    return top
\ No newline at end of file