West Virginia University School of Dentistry

About

Oral Health. Our Priority.

Those four words simply state our mission and vision at West Virginia University School of Dentistry. The dental school fosters an exemplary learning environment that is supported by excellence in oral healthcare education, clinical experiences and research. Ultimately, our goal is to be the dental school of choice for students, faculty, staff and patients. 

Our strategic planning is focused on those three areas. 

Education

Our academic structure is designed to transform students into clinically excellent, service-oriented practitioners. Our goals include

• providing students with a strong foundational curriculum in a vibrant learning environment,

• optimizing access to state-of-the-art technology and exposure to innovative techniques,

• delivering service learning opportunities in public health and rural West Virginia, 

• developing pipeline programs to ensure a highly qualified workforce for West Virginia,

• and fostering lifelong curiosity by engaging students in scholarly activities.

Clinical

We strive to improve the oral health of West Virginians - one patient at a time. Our goals include

• creating an exceptional patient experience,

• offering comprehensive dental care and access to a broad range of specialists,

• reducing financial barriers that keep patients from seeking care, 

• expanding access to care in rural communities,

• and educating on the importance of oral health and how it relates to overall wellness. 

Research

Through research we are discovering solutions that reduce oral health disparities in West Virginia. Our goals include

• seeking research opportunities that align with the oral health needs of West Virginia,

• collaborating with other WVU school and units to leverage existing resources and create meaningful partnerships, 

• growing research engagement and scholarly activity, 

• and building robust clinical and translational research infrastructure.