Dean's Message:
Accreditation, 2002;
Good news for the School of Dentistry

During the ADA accreditation site visit, the School received 21 commendations, including one for "alumni support that has made possible a variety of positive changes." Here, Dr. Goodacre, right, joins Barbara Bostwick, director of development, to accept a check for $45,000 from Dr. Thor Bakland, representing the Class of 1962. The gift was made during the 2002 Alumni Student Convention.

1. A planning process that is broad-based, systematic, continuous, and promotes achievement of institutional and program goals

2. A new biomedical sciences curriculum

3. A faculty development program that includes assistance with student loans, opportunities for advanced education, and tuition assistance for advanced education

4. The response of the School to the issue of student indebtedness

5. The innovative way the School has developed research endeavors

6. Developing a mechanism that provides each student with the tools and opportunity to engage in research and other forms of scholarly activity

7. The number of physical facility enhancements made since 1995

8. Alumni financial support that has made possible a variety of positive changes

9. The identification of multiple revenue streams and budget management that results in fiscal stability

10. An ongoing capital equipment replacement program

11. A comprehensive safety program that has incorporated essential infection control policies and protocols into the culture of clinical and preclinical operations

The School received several commendations for research. During the 2002 table clinic competition (pictured, from left) Shayne Hover, Marlon Peter, and James Jeffrey (D4) won first place for "Effect of different irrigation systems on heat generation during implant osteotomies." James Jeffrey represented the researchers at the DENTSPLY student clinician competition in New Orleans, in October.

The following commendations were collectively received by the advanced education programs:

1. Documentation of outcomes

2. Dedication and leadership of the program director and teaching staff

3. The wholistic and caring approach of the faculty

4. Documentation of educational and patient care records

5. The availability of innovative imaging equipment

6. Diligent documentation of all program activities

7. The volume and variety of clinical experiences

8. Excellent facilities

9. Excellent research opportunities

The dental hygiene program was commended for the following aspects of their program:

1. The curriculum management plan and outcomes

2. The commitment to a student-centered learning environment

One of the School's goals is to develop opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to be of service to local, global, and professional communities. In October nearly 80 children from Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino received dental screenings in a motor home equipped with two dental chairs. Here Jennifer Moss (center), and Miriam Skala (right) dental hygiene seniors, teach a child how to brush.

The positive outcome of the site visit is rewarding, but the School must continue to advance.
The program goals we adopted in our recent strategic planning process are lofty and will require continual action to be fully realized. It is important to regularly read and assess the progress being made toward these goals, and that shall remain our focus for the future. I regularly review these goals to help stay the course.

Please take a minute to read them; if you wish to comment on any of them we would value your input.
School of Dentistry Goals:

1. Foster an empowering educational environment focused on core values

2. Foster an environment of effective communication

3. Sustain a model of decision-making and accountability that assures the actualization of the Applied Strategic Plan

4. Captivate the interest of highly qualified and diverse applicants who share our Vision, Core Values, and Mission

5. Maintain an innovative, comprehensive educational experience that is a model for dental education

6. Provide a clinical environment where students learn to provide high quality oral health care that exceed the patients' expectations

Key fact: During the ADA accreditation site visit this year, the School of Dentistry received 21 commendations: • Predoctoral program: 11 • Advanced education programs: 9 • Dental hygiene: 2

7. Attract and retain well-qualified diverse faculty and staff who embrace our Vision, Core Values, and Mission

8. Advance knowledge pertinent to enhanced patient care through research and scholarly activities

9. Develop opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to be of service to local, global, and professional communities

Charles Goodacre, SD'71, MSD
Dean