The School of Dentistry shares the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University to provide educational programs, basic and clinical research, and high quality care and community programs. We strive to foster an environment of mutual respect where the free exchange of ideas can flourish. The dental school prepares graduates in general dentistry and the dental specialties to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care.

Approved by the General Faculty September 2003

GOALS OF THE SCHOOL

A. GOAL: To ensure the quality of the educational programs of the School of Dentistry.

1. To evaluate the basic science and clinical curricula assuring compliance with the Commission on Dental Accreditation standards and encouraging responsiveness to scientific advances.
2. To provide educational experiences for students using a comprehensive patient care model.
3. To provide general dentists who are competent to practice dentistry and dental hygienists who are competent to practice dental hygiene.
4. To provide dental specialists who are proficient in the recognized areas of endodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and periodontology.

B. GOAL: To ensure the quality of the research programs of the School of Dentistry.

1. To contribute to biological, behavioral, and educational sciences by conducting scientific studies, both applied and basic, and disseminating the results of such studies.
2. To obtain external funding to support scientific research and research facilities.
3. To participate in organizations and institutions that promote, support, and disseminate the results of scientific research.
4. To provide opportunities for students and visiting scientists to participate in ongoing research programs in order to further understanding and appreciation of the evolving scientific process.
5. To promote and support research collaboration.

1. To recruit academically qualified applicants for admission who reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the state. To provide career exploration opportunities promoting dentistry and dental hygiene to high school and college student.
2. To develop and maintain student assistance programs which would help students successfully complete the educational programs.

1. To recruit and retain an adequate number of highly qualified faculty to enable the departments to fulfill their obligations in teaching, research and professional service.
2. To encourage faculty members to improve teaching and make faculty improvement opportunities available.
3. To encourage faculty members to serve as role models and to provide expertise to the profession and the community.
4. To provide a fair procedure and clear standards for granting of promotion and indefinite tenure.
5. To provide opportunities for faculty members to participate in faculty governance through service on elected and appointed school and university committees and through attendance at faculty meetings.

1. To develop and maintain a reliable financial base to support the functions of the School.
2. To make available and maintain the School's facilities.
3. To make available sufficient personnel to carry out the objectives of the School.

1. To assure that patients accepted for care receive, or are directed to receive, comprehensive dental treatment based upon patient assessment and diagnosis, consideration of alternative treatment plans, disclosing of risks and agreement between the patient and provider.
2. To maintain a patient dental record system that documents patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment provided, and includes a chronological log of all services and care provided.
3. To provide a facility housing equipment, supplies and services needed to conduct patient oral health care in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, regulations and the standards of care relating to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.

1. To provide lecture and clinical programs that are of interest to all components of the dental health team.
2. To provide cost effective continuing education offerings to generate sufficient revenue to maintain high program standards.
3. To provide an alumni association that fosters cooperation between the graduates and the school for the mutual benefits of both.

1. To provide dental health professionals who will choose to pursue practice opportunities in rural settings.
2. To provide oral health education and health promotion for the citizens of Oregon.
3. To provide access to dental care for at-risk, underserved, and low-income populations within Multnomah County and Clackamas County.
4. To provide dental care to HIV+ patients and homeless patients.

I. GOAL: To ensure that the alumni and friends of the school have a vehicle to maintain close ties with the institution which will promote fiscal stability for the school and collegiality among its patrons. (Goal I was added in September 2003)