Vision, Mission, Core Values

Vision

Mission

• Preparing leaders with outstanding clinical skills, an ethical bearing, sound judgment, and a passion to serve.
• Providing educational opportunities for individuals who will serve rural and underserved* communities across NC.
• Providing and enhancing oral health services for underserved* North Carolinians through implementation of community-oriented service learning and interprofessional collaborations.
• Fostering a welcoming environment where collaboration, creativity, and professionalism are embraced.
• Influencing future clinical practice and dental education through research, innovation, and discovery.

*Underserved in this context is defined as individuals without the financial resources or ability to access care.

Core Values

Integrity

• We do what is right legally and morally.
• We carry out actions with honesty and trustworthiness.
• We model ethical and moral behavior as a lifelong habit.

Excellence

• We develop professionals through rigorous academic education, service learning, and practical training.
• We adhere to the highest standards of evidence-based dentistry and clinical judgement.
• We provide teaching and research opportunities utilizing best practice techniques.
• We reach our full potential through continuous self-assessment while providing quality,
  comprehensive patient-centered care.

Service

• We relate to others with selfless caring in all interactions.
• We live life with a commitment to service.
• We contribute to the betterment of our community and society.

Respect and Engagement

• We foster a culture in which we treat all individuals with respect, dignity and compassion.
• We commit to removing barriers** and providing access to quality, comprehensive healthcare.
• We cultivate a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for our faculty, staff and learners.
• We commit to sustaining an environment that welcomes a broad representation of persons and perspectives.

**In this context, barriers are lack of financial or other resources to access care.

Innovation

• We foster a culture of innovation and creativity that attracts and retains the best thinkers.
• We embrace new and creative ideas that improve mission aligned outcomes.

Commitment to ECU Nondiscrimination Policy

The ECU School of Dental Medicine’s vision, mission, and values underscore the school’s commitment to serving the people of NC to building and sustaining a collaborative professional community of students, residents, staff, and who are united in purpose.

Notice of Nondiscrimination