The UNLV School of Dental Medicine (SDM) came into existence when
key political, academic, and health leaders committed to addressing
the state's shortage of dentists — particularly in rural
areas — and the lack of oral health access for lower socioeconomic
groups. The school was charged with preparing socially aware, clinically
adept dentists to address oral health needs in Nevada.
Beginning a Mission
In December 2001, UNLV purchased 18 acres in the University Hospital
complex and renovated the existing buildings. With founding dean
Dr. E. Steven Smith overseeing a class of 75 students, the school
opened the following fall to pursue its mission of improving the
health of the citizens of Nevada through oral health care services;
integrated biomedical, professional, and clinical curricula; and
biomedical discovery.
The school received its accreditation from the Commission on Dental
Accreditation before opening in the summer of 2002. Four years later,
it was reaccredited with seven major commendations.
Community Expansion
In 2004, a state-of-the-art clinical facility opened on the university's
Shadow Lane Campus, with electronic patient records and financial systems;
digital radiographic and photographic images; and electronic patient
education on topics such as dental implants, extractions, root canals,
and cosmetic dentistry. A contemporary simulation facility allows students
to perform common dental procedures on mannequins, providing preclinical
teaching and offering unique opportunities for continuing education.
The clinic has recorded more than 63,000 patient visits, many from
people who would not be able to afford care in the private sector.
Advanced Education
In 2005, the school began offering a 24-month graduate program in orthodontics
and dentofacial orthopedics to 16 highly qualified dentists per year.
A new 44,000-square-foot building, scheduled for completion in fall
2007, will house advanced education/specialty programs in orthodontics,
endodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral/maxillofacial surgery, and
periodontics.
Innovative Curriculum
In its short history, the school has developed a national reputation
for innovation in its curriculum. For example:
- Courses
are presented in thematic/systems formats rather than discipline-specific
formats.
- With
the school's vision of striving "toward perfect health
through oral health," the curriculum emphasizes the connection
between oral health and systemic health.
- To
help prepare graduates for the business of dentistry, clinical faculty
focus on the essential interactions of clinical productivity, patient management,
and professional behavior.
- To
facilitate their interaction with the Spanish-speaking community,
all students are required to take Spanish their first year.
Competitive Program
Last year, the school received more than 3,000 applications for its
class of 75 students, attracting some of the top national applicants.
Additionally, the school's graduates are accepted into some
of the most competitive and prestigious specialty programs in the
country.
Reaching Out
Recognizing that Nevada's diverse populations present unique
oral health care problems, the school reaches out to the community
in various ways:
- As
part of the curriculum, student doctors regularly visit "at-risk" elementary
schools and local assisted living centers, providing nutritional
information as well as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and brushing/flossing
instructions. To date, more than 25,000 children and adults have
received such services.
- About
53,000 youth have participated in Crackdown on Cancer, a grant-sponsored
program that provides tobacco-prevention and oral health education and oral
screenings to all high schools in Nevada, including 35 rural sites.
- SDM
students recently organized Smiles for Success, a program to treat
physically and emotionally abused women from the local community.
- Faculty,
student doctors, and staff annually team with local practitioners
to provide oral health services at the SDM clinics to underserved
children at the Give Kids a Smile event.
Faculty Funding
SDM professors have obtained more than $6 million in competitive grant
funding, including:
- To
fund the Crackdown on Cancer program, the late Dr. E. Steven Smith
received $5.2 million from the Fund for a Healthy Nevada (administered
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and Trust Fund
for Public Health (administered by the Tobacco Master Settlement).
- Dean
Patrick Ferrillo received a $1 million grant from the Health Resources
and Services Administration for the advancement of technology sponsored by
U.S. Senator Harry Reid.
- Dr.
Connie Mobley received $240,000 from the National Institutes of Health
for a multi-site trial of diabetes prevention in U.S. middle schools.
- Dr.
Mildred McClain received $20,000 from the American Medical Student
Association for health professional training.
- Dr.
Victor Sandoval and Dr. Mildred McClain received two grants totaling
$10,000 from the American Dental Association Foundation/Harris Fund for Children's
Dental Health for supplies for oral health prevention activities
with "at-risk" children
in Las Vegas.
Continuous Strides
In just five years, the School of Dental Medicine has made great strides.
Dr. Karen P. West, who took over as current dean in April 2007, will
focus on promoting research in biomedicine, population-based clinical
studies, oral health promotion, oral cancer prevention, and education.
In the years ahead, the school will continue to develop its reputation
as a world-class institution where dentists send their children to
become dentists.
Deans
2001 — Dr. E. Steven Smith
2003 — Dr. Patrick J. Ferrillo Jr.
2006 — Dr. Richard H. Carr Jr., interim
2006 — Dr. Victor A. Sandoval, interim
2007 — Dr. Karen P. West
