Vision, Mission, Core Values

Vision

Lead the nation in community-based oral health education, research, patient care and service.

Mission

Develop leaders with a passion to care for the underserved and improve the health of North Carolina and the nation by:

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

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

  • We treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
  • We protect the feelings, rights, traditions, values and worth of all individuals.
  • We commit to removing barriers and providing access to quality, comprehensive
    healthcare.

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.