College of Dental Medicine - Message from the Dean - College of Dentistry

College of Dental Medicine

College of Dental Medicine - Message from the Dean

The future of dentistry is extremely bright, and those of us at WesternU are committed to developing a quality, innovative educational program that will prepare our graduates for success in their chosen area of dentistry, whether that is private practice, community service, research, or teaching. Western University, with its unique combination of professional programs, will provide students from various health care disciplines to learn together and to work together to treat patients. Dentistry is rapidly evolving, and today we know much more about the close linkages between oral health and overall health. There are exciting advances in dental research and practice, and our facilities and curriculum will be positioned to incorporate new ideas and new technology into our educational program.

At this time, we are very busy planning two new facilities on campus. The first is an educational and research building; the second is a new patient care facility. Both facilities will be shared by students in medicine, dentistry, optometry and podiatry and will be designed to facilitate interprofessional education and patient care.

We have also begun the process of our accreditation application. This is an intensive process during which we will document our progress in developing facilities, curriculum, faculty, student admissions and support services, our clinical education program, research capacity, etc. Our progress in all of these areas will be measured against national educational standards to ensure the high quality of our educational program. This process is extremely thorough, and will include several onsite visits by teams of experts who will examine every aspect of our program first-hand.

Our plan is to accept the inaugural class of approximately 64 entering students in the fall of 2009. We are currently developing admissions policies and procedures, and taking steps to join the national application service (AADSAS) sponsored by the American Dental Education Association.

Throughout my professional career, I have devoted myself to ensuring that students are treated as professional colleagues from their very first day of class. Our school will be built upon the principles of professionalism, caring and mutual respect. We will establish and maintain high standards, and will provide a supportive environment in which qualified students can excel. As a student at WesternU, you will receive personal attention from administrators, faculty and staff and to develop professional relationships that will continue well beyond your time in school. As a graduate of Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine, you will enjoy a satisfying professional career helping others to achieve optimum health.

Thank you for your interest in WesternU, and I look forward to meeting you in person one day.

Regards,

Dr. James J. Koelbl
Founding Dean

Last Updated:05/07/2008

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