School of Dental Medicine

School of Dental Medicine students manage approximately 35,000 patient visits each year at the School’s patient clinics in Alton and East St. Louis. In addition, students offer oral health treatment, screenings and education to more than 10,000 people annually through a wide variety of off-campus community outreach events. These opportunities provide students the training they need to graduate and become highly skilled dentists. The School of Dental Medicine is a vital oral health care provider for residents of Southern and Central Illinois, and the St. Louis metropolitan region.

SDM MISSION, GOALS AND VISION

 MISSION:

 The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine is to educate dentists and improve the oral health of the region through patient care, research/ scholarship and service.

VISION:

 The School of Dental Medicine will be nationally recognized for excellence in evidence- based dental education that is delivered in an environment of inclusiveness and respect.

GOALS:

 The Goals of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine are:

 Education

• Provide predoctoral and postdoctoral students with a quality education that integrates evidence-based knowledge and skills in the clinical, biomedical, and behavioral sciences necessary to become competent and proficient practitioners.
• Develop practitioners who think critically, value life-long learning and exhibit ethical decision-making and professionalism.
• Support continuous improvement and innovation in the education of predoctoral and postdoctoral students.

Patient Care

•  Provide comprehensive and patient-centered dental care for patients in our clinics.
• Improve access to oral health care in the region through SDM clinical programs and the future practice of our graduates.

 Research / Scholarship

• Provide an environment for the faculty and students that promotes, encourages and supports research/scholarship.
• Provide an environment that promotes collaborative research/scholarly activities among School, University and external colleagues.

 Service

• Address the oral health needs of the region through continuing dental education, oral health literacy and community service efforts.
• Provide leadership and service through faculty, staff and student participation in University, community and professional activities.

Inclusiveness

• Provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, faculty, staff and patients.
• Support diversity in all aspects of professional education, respecting individual cultures and beliefs.

 Support

• Provide students with appropriate support to develop their full academic potential.
• Provide faculty and staff support appropriate to their career needs and future advancement.