Strategic Plan

Mission

Transforming lives and oral health through community engagement, educational excellence, developing professionals,  patient care, and research discovery.

Vision

To take care of people.

Philosophy

The College of Dentistry, a component college of the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, is committed to the highest standards of achievement in all its programs. In accord with its mission and in the pursuit of excellence, the College of Dentistry values and emphasizes:

• The education and graduation of competent oral health care professionals who are fully prepared with the cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills necessary to manage the oral health care needs of the communities they serve. Specifically included are the analytical and technological skills required to be efficient providers of quality oral health care, to be responsive to future changes in the profession, to be lifetime learners, to advance dental knowledge, and to become leaders in education and organized dentistry.
• An active research program geared to develop and disseminate new knowledge in the basic, behavioral and clinical sciences, with a focus on knowledge which is directly applicable by the general dentist.
• A high quality clinical care program providing comprehensive diagnostic, preventive and treatment services to a diverse patient population using contemporary methods, materials and technology.
• Community service through involvement and leadership in community health-related programs. The College will join in community efforts to educate the public and promote oral health. Service to the profession will include continuing dental education programs, consultative services by faculty, and contributions to the dental literature.
• An educational and patient care environment which facilitates a high level of understanding and sensitivity among faculty, students, staff and patients.

Goals

• Graduate outstanding oral health care professionals
• Provide high quality oral health care
• Promote a robust research program
• Strengthen and expand community outreach
• Ensure a stable infrastructure and support system