Opportunities for connection and engagement | A message from the Interim Dean

This week, the halls of Moos Tower were filled with extra excitement as we welcomed the incoming DDS, Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene classes to the school for their orientation.

I had the opportunity to speak with these incoming learners on Wednesday morning. I shared in their excitement and encouraged them to lean on one another as they begin their journey as oral health professionals.

This time of year is always exciting and invigorating, but this year feels extra special for me. As these new students settle into their roles and prepare to begin the semester soon, I can’t help but feel a connection with them—after all, I’m seeing the start of the semester through fresh eyes. I experienced my first orientation, and I’ll experience the school’s White Coat Ceremony for the first time as interim dean this year. We will grow, learn, connect and embrace challenges together.

As we prepare to begin the fall semester soon, my theme for the academic year will be connection. I have already connected with individuals and groups across the school in the last two months—faculty, staff, clinicians, researchers, learners and leaders. I have had regular conversations with the Office of Finance to gain a comprehensive view of our structural and operational position. Earlier this month, I visited the pre-clinic and toured the clinic to spend time observing the hands-on educational experiences that prepares our students to provide excellent care to patients. In the coming weeks, I’m excited to spend more time in our clinics, learning more about how they operate and hearing from the faculty, staff, students and patients. I also look forward to meeting our engaged community of alumni and hearing their stories.

I’ll continue to identify key priorities and areas for growth—and while I know we’ll encounter challenges, I am confident we will embrace and overcome them together. As we embark on a new academic year, I invite you to join me in reflecting on our shared goals and hopes for the year—and in extending a warm welcome to our incoming learners.