The Department of Dental Public Health/Information Management provides high quality education to first professional students and residents, conducts scholarly research that advances knowledge in dentistry, and acts as a resource service unit not only within the School of Dental Medicine (SDM), but also for other areas throughout the university and community.  Over the past five years, the department has witnessed marked increases in research productivity, as well as nationally recognized community service.

The curricula in the Department of Dental Public Health reflects the SDM’s mission to ensure that students are prepared for the practice of dentistry in the 21st century by stressing critical thinking, evidence-based care, and clinical competence. Likewise, the department’s involvement in research and scholarly activities continues to advance knowledge and extend the frontiers of oral health.

The department also strives to play a crucial role in support of the teaching and service mission of the SDM by providing:  (1) an innovative and relevant curriculum, (2) a faculty engaged in high quality research, and (3) an extensive program of community service.

Specific goals include:

• The further expansion of teaching electives to include the following courses: Informatics, Computer Applications for Research, Issues in Rural and Minority Dental Health
  
• The expanded support of community-oriented dental public health programs
  
• The further strengthening of the SDM’s interaction with the community and the support of community-oriented programs
  
• Expansion of the research program within the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia

The faculty in the Department of Dental Public Health are proud of their contributions to teaching, service, and research and are committed to pursuing these activities to further support departmental missions.

Center for Dental Informatics

Chair
Dr. Robert J. Weyant
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
346A Salk Hall
3501 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Phone: (412) 648-3076
Email: rjw1@pitt.edu