Mission / Goals

MISSION

The mission of the New Jersey Dental School is the scientific exploration of factors that contribute to oral health and the dissemination and application of that knowledge toward the health and well-being of the community. This mission is accomplished through four interrelated activities: education, patient care, research, and community service, in a collegial environment.

GOALS

A. STUDENTS

1. Recruit and select the most qualified applicants for admission, with special efforts aimed at minority students.

2. Reduce financial barriers for the participation of qualified students in the educational programs of the dental school.

B. FACULTY

1. Recruit and retain the highest caliber faculty, with efforts aimed at minority faculty recruitment and retention.

2. Promote further development of faculty teaching, research and community service skills and the use of advanced technology.

3. Provide opportunities for faculty enrichment, scholarship, and creative expression.

C. CURRICULUM

1. Prepare dentists who possess the knowledge, skills and values to begin the practice of general dentistry.

2. Prepare clinically proficient specialists who possess the knowledge, skills and values to begin specialty practice.

3. Provide a predoctoral curriculum which:

• is competency based;
• is contemporary;
• provides community-based experiences;
• integrates basic, clinical and social sciences;
• effectively utilizes curriculum time; and
• is flexible, maximizes student program completion, and allows for enriched educational experiences

4. Expand the integration of dental educational programs with other programs within the University and other institutions.

5. Increase emphasis on the preparation of generalists.

6. Provide high quality continuing dental education.

D. RESEARCH

1. Contribute to the broad body of basic and applied knowledge related to oral and systemic health.

2. Provide opportunities for the continuous development of faculty in research.

3. Train investigators capable of independent scholarship, creative expression and critical thinking.

4. Provide the opportunity for students to participate in research.

5. Enhance the local, state, national and international stature of the dental school through leadership and collaboration in research.

6. Foster the exchange of ideas and influence future trends in health care by participating in local, state, national and international professional organizations.

7. Focus and strengthen our research capabilities, resources and levels of activity.

E. PATIENT CARE

1. Provide quality comprehensive care through predoctoral, postdoctoral, faculty practice and outreach programs to patients of all means and backgrounds.

2. Provide patient care environments which are responsive to the public.

3. Provide referral centers which serve as professional resources to practitioners and offer tertiary care to patients with complex treatment needs.

F. COMMUNITY SERVICE

1. Promote oral health in New Jersey through education and delivery of services.

2. Advocate for resources to promote health in New Jersey.

3. Strengthen communication and understanding between the community and the dental school.

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