Loma Linda University School of Dentistry: Dentalgram, Nov. 2000

School of Dentistry conducts Applied Strategic Planning Retreat
By Thomas Rogers, SD'83, assistant professor, DNES

During October 23 to 25 the School of Dentistry conducted the second of our Applied Strategic Planning retreats at Camp Cedar Falls. A total of 25 members of the School family participated. This included three administrators, sixteen faculty, two staff, two students, and two alumni representatives. This effort was moderated by Dr. Robert Frazer, who has many years experience in this field and is a dentist as well.

There will be a total of five retreats stretching into June of next year. During these sessions the goal is to develop an ideal vision of the School, and then work back to the present to develop the specific action plans needed to achieve this goal. Each of the participants has formed an advisory group of 7 to 12 people, termed a þShadow Team,ú which meets between the retreats. These Shadow Teams are intended for discussion of the developments at the previous retreat, and reach a group consensus that the participant can take to the next retreat.

More than 200 faculty and staff employees are involved as Shadow Team members. There are separate student and alumni teams as well. In this way, a broad consensus across the entire School should emerge regarding the future direction for the School. This is an exciting time for the entire School of Dentistry family.