About the School

Mission, Vision, Goals

Mission:

The mission of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine is to improve the oral health of the region through education and patient care, in conjunction with scholarship/ research and service.

Vision:

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine will become nationally recognized for excellence in contemporary dental education.

The mission and vision of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine will be fulfilled by achieving the following goals:

Education

• Provide predoctoral and postdoctoral students with a quality education that integrates knowledge and skills in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and medical sciences necessary to become ethical, competent and proficient practitioners.

• Develop practitioners who think critically, value life-long learning and exhibit professionalism.

Patient Care

• Improve the oral health of the regional population through patient-centered care.

Scholarship/Research

• Provide an environment for the faculty and students that promotes, encourages and supports scholarship/research.
• Provide an environment that fosters collaborative scholarly and research activities among School, University and external colleagues.

Service

• Address the oral health needs of the region through educational and service efforts.

• Provide leadership and service through faculty, staff and student participation in University, community and professional activities.

Approved by the SDM Faculty Assembly on June 7, 2004