Top 10 of 2024

Dear James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine and friends,

We have much to be grateful for and much to celebrate from 2024.

2024 was a pivotal year for the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine.

Many significant initiatives, some of which have been years in the making, came to fruition this year, advancing learning for our students, furthering research with big implications, and improving the patient experience. Our faculty and staff are truly making change possible. We also could not have done it without collaboration at the enterprise and university leadership levels and the staunch support of our loyal alumni and friends.

As always, this is my list, which I am so proud to share with you. I’m sure if you asked any member of our CDM Family what their favorite moments were this year, they would have their own favorites to recognize.

Top 10

1. We created an Innovation Laboratory, which gives students the opportunity to learn the entire digital workflow – from the initial treatment plan to the final restoration – with dedicated faculty guidance.
2. We will start a general practice residency (GPR) program, with a hub in Florence, SC, anticipated to open in July 2026, and small spokes in Lake City and Marion to serve the rural needs of our state.
3. Faculty recruitment is a forefront of our efforts, and each day we continue to interview, recruit, and onboard highly qualified new faculty members. And we have a number of new staff to support our faculty and students.
4. Student clinical rotations expanded to MUSC Dental and Oral Health – Nexton: In this small-footprint, community-based location, students diversify their experience with the provider and care team, and in a setting similar to a private practice.
5. No increase in D.M.D. tuition: For the seventh consecutive year. We even reduced some fees for the second year. Plus, scholarship giving is five times greater vs. seven years ago, which nearly completes the first half our $10 million Pay It Forward campaign goal.
6. One year after implementing a new electronic health record, the majority of patients have been activated in the new system: In addition to giving patients a more unified experience at every step, we customized training for our students and staff, further preparing us all for a future of deeper integration of oral and systemic health – a vision shared by the American Dental Association and MUSC.
7. The Carlos F. Salinas Dental Program for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Individuals with Special Health Care Needs celebrated 25 years of providing professional development in special needs dentistry to our state’s current workforce.
8. Our reinvigorated partnership with the South Carolina Board of Dentistry and the South Carolina Dental Association promises to strengthen our responsiveness in addressing future oral health needs and workforce challenges.
9. Student leaders instituted Field Day and Friendsgiving: These two new traditions are already favorites of the entire CDM Family and reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff to our students and residents.
10. The renovated Dr. Richard and Stacy Boyd Lobby incorporates a modern design and space for collaboration. The main entrance to the college had not been updated since the college opened in the 1960s. We look forward to its official opening at Alumni Weekend 2025.

#9: The first college Field Day was all about the very best of what makes our CDM Family so special – we know that the brightest smiles reflect compassionate care for overall health and wellbeing.