THE DEAN'S MESSAGE There are two new and exciting developments in the School of Dentistry. First, the Alumni Association and School of Dentistry are embarking on a joint venture. With the assistance of an external facilitator (Dr. Robert Frazer, a consultant in applied strategic planning and management from Austin, Texas), a strategic planning process ha started that will develop a vision about where the School of Dentistry wants to be in the future. Strategies will then be implemented to facilitate vision achievement, insure all stakeholders are properly represented and maintain our focus on how we can optimize the accomplishment of our goals. As an alumnus, you are a valued stakeholder in the School of Dentistry and I invite your input into this process. Help us shape the vision for the future of your School. I would welcome your thoughts and suggestions or you may discuss them with your Alumni Association officers or any School of Dentistry faculty member. Secondly, Dr. William Loveless, recently retired senior pastor of the University Church, will be joining the faculty on a part-time basis to help with the behavioral science curriculum. He will help us design ways to quantify how well we are teaching values and how well students are able to absorb and transfer these values to their patients. He will also use his creativity to develop practical experiences whereby new students can gain competence in meeting and relating to new patients, how to understand their needs and succinctly, yet graciously, convey appropriate treatment plans to patients. This experience will also include knowledge and sensitivity regarding cultural differences and how to best approach patients of different cultures. I would enjoy hearing any input you have that would help us as we evaluate our programs. Thank you for your interest in the School. Charles J. Goodacre, SD’71, MSD Dean back to contents University | Medical_Center | LLU&MC_home | Search | Employment | News_&_events | Academics | Our_mission | Admissions | Registration | Research | Alumni | Student_resources All contents copyright © 2001 Loma Linda University. All rights reserved. Revised February 14, 2001 Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu  URL: http://www.llu.edu