Message from the Dean

Greetings from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. The 2023-24 academic year ushers in an exciting time for the college, as we continue to advance the limitless possibilities of dentistry.

As South Carolina’s one and only dental school, we take our calling to be of public service quite seriously. We are deeply committed to advancing dental education, leading in digital dentistry and technology, and furthering the integration of oral and systemic health. We continue to grow and are proud to have avoided an increase in tuition for six consecutive years.

Energized by our bold and ambitious 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which aligns with the OneMUSC enterprise strategy, we are exploring new frontiers of dental education, strengthening our research and reinventing patient care, to enrich the communities of South Carolina and beyond. Developed by a dedicated committee representing all stakeholders, our strategy pushes us to keep ascending in national prominence among dental institutions.

It is our expressed vision to innovate the future of oral health and wellness. We do this by developing transformative leaders and oral health providers to improve wellness. Our commitment to education, research and patient care is driven by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach that will result in global impact on the profession. This mission is operationalized by leading with our MUSC values of compassion, respect, innovation, collaboration, and integrity. Whether you are engaging with the college on a professional or personal level, you should expect to receive no less than these lived values.

Over the coming year, we will prepare for accreditation, multiply internal collaborations through a modernized academic department structure, implement an integrated and state-of-the-art electronic health record, and open our second community-based dental and oral health center. And when I say “we,” I refer to the best of the best – the CDM Family. The college’s faculty and staff are deeply dedicated to our students and patients. Many of our faculty members are recipients of competitive grants and awards. They pursue opportunities in research, appointments to committees and boards, and continuing education, among many other stellar accolades. Our staff members deliver ongoing clinical and administrative excellence, and the Staff Leadership Council continues to be a voice for staff at all levels of the college.

The James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine is changing what’s possible in oral health. We continue to move forward with commitment, confidence, and compassion. I embrace our continued journey with great optimism.


Respectfully,

Dr. Sarandeep Huja, Dean
James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina