Message from the Dean

About the College of Dental Medicine

The College of Dental Medicine (CDM) at Western University of Health Sciences is a leader in innovative dental education, defined by a dynamic culture of growth, collaboration, and excellence.

Our mission-driven faculty and staff prepare students to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care with competence, integrity, and strong communication skills. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and technology, our programs reflect modern, team-based dental practice.

CDM’s curriculum emphasizes evidence-based learning and seamless progression from classroom instruction (virtual and in person) to simulation, clinical care, and community-based experiences. Since opening in 2009, CDM has grown into a comprehensive academic institution with strengths in education, research, and service.

Commitment to Community Impact

We are deeply committed to improving community health and reducing disparities. Over 40% of our graduates begin their careers in medically underserved areas. Through partnerships with organizations such as First 5 LA, CDM delivered more than 52,000 preventive and treatment services to nearly 22,900 preschool-aged children across Los Angeles County over five years.

Federal support through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has expanded oral health services in medically underserved communities, including Federally Qualified Health Centers and rural areas throughout California. These programs provide students with over 3,000 hours of community-based clinical training during their junior and senior years.

These efforts have strengthened the preparation of culturally responsive providers, expanded a diverse dental workforce, increased access to care for patients with complex medical needs, and enhanced interprofessional collaboration. Together, these initiatives advance health equity, improve care coordination, and help reduce oral health disparities.

Access, Innovation, and Partnerships

Our outreach efforts, including programs like Biopsies Save Lives, and strategic partnerships have enabled more than $700,000 in reduced- or no-cost care, reinforcing our commitment to access and community impact. We remain committed to building sustainable partnerships that expand access to care and improve oral health outcomes across diverse populations.

Looking ahead, CDM continues to innovate with new educational models that expand clinical training, enhance simulation experiences, and improve efficiency, better preparing graduates for the evolving healthcare landscape.

Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS
Dean