Excellence in Education and Patient Care

Overview

We are reimagining how oral health professionals are trained and how care is delivered. By integrating advanced technologies, expanding community-based experiences, and emphasizing collaboration, the School is preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving, patient-centered health system.

Strategic Priorities

1.1 – Enhance curriculum to prepare students for evidence-based patient care

• Expand digital learning tools and customized clinical experiences 
• Advance faculty development and teaching excellence 
• Increase clinical engagement and advanced learning opportunities 
• Embed interprofessional and collaborative care experiences 

1.2 – Integrate technology into education and patient care

• Expand Innovative Digital Dentistry Systems (iDDS) 
• Increase simulation, 3D printing, same-day dentistry, and scanner use 
• Educate students and faculty on responsible AI use 
• Apply AI in diagnosis, planning, and operational workflows 

1.3 – Implement integrated, patient-centered care delivery

• Simplify patient access and digital engagement 
• Improve communication across care teams 
• Strengthen service standards and satisfaction metrics 
• Coordinate care through unified electronic health records 

1.4 – Expand community-based education and care

• Increase Community-Based Clinical Education (CBCE) 
• Expand partnerships across Los Angeles County and California 
• Integrate community engagement across all four years 
• Strengthen infrastructure to support outreach and impact