Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Mission
The current Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry mission statement is as follows: “True to its heritage, the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry exists as a global academic health Center of Excellence that promotes improving the oral health and overall health care through transformative, collaborative, educational and service models, the provision of excellent compassionate health care, and innovative research.”
Vision
The current Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry vision statement is as follows: “To identify, mentor, train, and educate a diverse group of the next generation of dental practitioners, faculty and researchers, placing special emphasis on African Americans and other people of color as well as others from disadvantaged backgrounds, who will lead our communities nationally and internationally in the advancement of oral health care.” The School of Dentistry will achieve this vision through:
- Distinct students, faculty and staff
- Collaborative research
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Integrated curriculum
- Patient centered clinical enterprise
Core Values
Integrity – professionalism and ethics in all aspects of life
Excellence – producing the best at all times
Empathy – compassionate service for underserved and health care disparities
Cultural Competence – embracing and understanding cultural differences
Leadership – mentoring and encouraging students to pursue leadership opportunities
Meharry Today
Currently, the School of Dentistry receives close to 3,000 applications and admits approximately 75 undergraduate dental students and 10 international dental students each year. In addition, there are three graduate programs, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. General Practice Residency and the Pediatric Dentistry Residency. Although the program itself has grown to keep up with the latest innovations and the communities it serves, Meharry’s dental program still adheres to requiring all first-years to fulfill their basic sciences requirements through courses taught through the School of Medicine; born out of necessity, it is an approach that has proven effective for over 100 years, and one that generates interdisciplinary, integrated thought and exchange of ideas. It is a part of the School of Dentistry’s legacy that remains just as relevant today—and part of what keeps Meharry’s dental program competitive and challenging.
Each student who arrives at our campus knows they are expected to continue and expand upon the legacy that has been left for them. They also know that there will be many opportunities to do just that, in an environment that truly wants them to succeed.
In fact, students and visitors alike are welcome to tour our School museum, which features important artifacts and relics that keep our story alive, cherished . . . and celebrated.”