Over the last year, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine has had much to celebrate.  The school implemented the first phase of a school-wide Electronic Health Records (EHR) system developed to incorporate all of the school's functions into one software application using a single database.  Thus, EHR eliminates the need to have multiple software applications operating in different areas.  In addition, the system is secure and HIPAA compliant and encompasses functions  including student and patient records as well as clinical and administrative management.  This progress is part of a five-year plan for paperless clinical management which also will include digital radiography.  During the next two years, the school will upgrade all hardware in the school's clinics to intensify the new system.

Another development that has been several years in the making is the curricular refinement of the Predoctoral Program.  As the science of dentistry continues to advance, educators are challenged with instructing students in the best practices of dentistry within a limited timeframe.  Beginning in the 2007-2008 academic year, the class of 2011 will advance along with the newly approved curriculum.  Based on surveys and input from previous predoctoral students, the most significant curricular change is earlier clinical involvement to demonstrate the relevancy of basic sciences.  In addition, some previous courses have been integrated in order to eliminate duplication of various topics.  First-year students will have the opportunity to learn in small group formats and will be introduced to genetics.  Our curriculum committee is currently revising the third and fourth years of the Predoctoral Program.

In research news, two of our faculty members have been selected to participate in the National Institutes of Health's inaugural $48 million Genes, Environment and Health Initiative.  The initiative is a unique collaboration between geneticists and environmental scientists.  Dr. Mary L. Marazita, professor and chair for the Department of Oral Biology and associate dean for research, and Dr. Robert Weyant (DMD '82, MS '78), professor and chair for the Department of Dental Public Health and Information Management and associate dean for Public Health Outreach, will collaborate on Dental Caries: Whole Genome Association and Gene x Environment Studies.  Dr. Marazita is the principle investigator of the dental caries research and also will participate in the studies of oral clefts and preterm birth through John Hopkins University and the University of Iowa respectively.  Dr. Marazita also is co-investigator of Genome Wide Association Studies of Prematurity and its Complications.

Aside from our clinical, academic and research advancements, the school's facility also has undergone some marked improvements.  The School of Dental Medicine's Multidisciplinary Implant Center recently relocated to a newly renovated space on the first floor of Salk Hall Annex.  The center's square footage has increased to 2,900 square feet with nine chairs including two full surgical suites.  This space accomodates more patients and enables the school to expand its clinical services as well as educational and research opportunities. 

Much of the most recent issue of Pitt Dental Medicine focuses on our efforts in special needs dentistry.  Our treatment of this underserved population will expand substantially with a current renovation project to create a dedicated clinical space.  The new Center for Patients with Special Needs will increase the training of future dental professionals in best practices of dental care for patients with disabilities which, in turn, will increase the number of potential care providers.  Our school is fortunate to have shared in ongoing advancements in the oral health care of persons with special needs.  With a strong tradition in this arena, we are well positioned to make a difference in our region, our nation, and abroad through education in special needs dentistry.

These recent successes bode well for the future of our school, faculty, students and alumni.  Thank you to all who have contributed in making the School of Dental Medicine what it is today.

Best regards,
Thomas W. Braun, DMD ’73, MS ’73, PhD ’77
Professor and Dean