History

The College of Dentistry admitted its first students in the fall of 1972. Today the college has become a major leader in advancing dentistry through educational excellence, scientific discoveries, modern clinical services, and commitment to the community.

The educational programs of the College of Dentistry reflect the creativity and professional talents of a faculty committed to educational processes that are relevant to society's needs and exciting to the student. The learning experiences motivate and challenge students to attain their professional goals.

The primary objective of the College of Dentistry is to develop graduates who possess an orientation to the biological sciences; are sensitive to the needs of others; are skillful in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures; and are aware of new knowledge through research activities. Graduates are expected to be perpetual students who recognize the need for continuing their education to meet the needs of society. Above all, they are expected to embody the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Dental students begin their professional education by completing the basic science, behavioral science and foundations of clinical dentistry courses over a two-year period, and then complete their program with the final two years devoted primarily to the care and treatment of patients. This program introduces the basic elements for an understanding of the human body and emphasizes the maintenance of health and prevention of disease. The advanced phases of the dental curriculum offer a variety of educational resources for individual progress and development into a professional person who is an integral part of the total health team.

The dental education programs and the advanced education programs in dental public health, endodontics, orofacial pain and endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial pathology, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics and general dentistry are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-2719 or at 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, Ill 60611.