Message from the Dean

Greetings from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Over the year 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encountered many obstacles, and our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have been working tirelessly to ensure that 2021 will be a year of stellar achievement.

The College has set its focus on our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. Developed by a diverse committee representing all stakeholders, we have revised our mission and vision statements, and have developed strategies to propel us into the future. We have put forth a succinct but ambitious and inclusive plan.

Over the next five years, it is our vision to “Innovate the future of oral health and wellness”. How are we going to effectively achieve our vision? We do this, by developing transformative leaders and oral health providers to improve wellness. Our commitment to education, research and patient care will be driven by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach that will result in global impact on the profession. To ensure such a mission and vision are met, we believe that compassion, respect, innovation, collaboration and integrity are the values that represent us best. Whether you are engaging with the College on a professional or personal level, you should expect no less than the values that are at our core. We will lead, innovate and inspire.

In addition to our commitment to education, research and patient care, our new strategic plan reflects a commitment to the integration of oral and systemic health and a commitment to increase opportunities for patient care and student learning by expanding our geographical footprint. We will be at a new clinic for Ryan White patients, and a dental facility located at the MUSC West Ashley Medical Pavilion in 2021.

To the outstanding members of our College- each of them remains dedicated to continuous growth. Central to our mission is to serve our students and our 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. We continue to grow and are proud to have avoided an increase in tuition for four years in a row, a testament to the hard work of all in the College. Our staff members will pursue ongoing clinical and administrative excellence and the Staff Leadership Council continues to be a voice for all staff at all levels of the College.

I am proud to be MUSC. Why? It is simple. Just this year, their pandemic response, testing and PPE availability, empathy towards employees, and finally their leading role in advocating for all members of our community. As we move forward, I too remain optimistic about our future. A future that is full of teamwork, innovation, collaboration, empathy, respect and so much more.

Respectfully,

Dean Sarandeep Huja