Meeting Highlights Important Work of Task Forces and Committees

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Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) held a bi-annual faculty and staff meeting on Wednesday, June 17 to review the current state of the School. Dean Jeffrey Hutter began the night with an update on the Dean’s Advisory Board and the 2012 accreditation site visit.

Following his update many of the task forces and committees that have been working diligently to address various internal challenges since the last meeting in December 2008, were given an opportunity to bring the assembled group of faculty and staff up to speed on their efforts.

Chair of the Task Force to Improve Pre-doctoral Appointment Practices Dr. John Guarente detailed the seamless transition to electronic booking that took place in the predoctoral treatment centers earlier this year.

Chair of the Task Force to Review Pre-doctoral Clinic Grades Dr. Stephen DuLong reported on the changes made to predoctoral clinic grading and the positive impact this change has had on the third-year dental students.

Chair of the Task Force to Implement the Electronic Patient Treatment Record by Academic Year 2009-2010 Dr. Ronni Schnell reviewed the completed phases of this comprehensive task and the timeline for the phases still to come.

Chair of the Task Force to Review Science Day Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska reported on the success of the 2009 Science Day, including increased attendance, the high caliber of research presented, and the great media coverage received by the event.

Dean Jeffrey Hutter presented on behalf of the Task Force to Review the GSDM Research Program Chair Dr. Raul Garcia, highlighting the members who are working toward the goals of this task force.

Chair of the Dean’s Council on Ethics & Professionalism Dr. Carl McManama gave an overview of the results of the recent survey and focus groups on ethics and professionalism at GSDM, stating that we are currently a, "B+ school," when it comes to ethics and professionalism that is striving to be an, "A school."

Updates were also presented on the Faculty Forum, pre- and postdoctoral admissions for the 2009-2010 academic year, capital projects, and the School’s new signage plan by Dr. Karl Flanzer, Ms. Catherine Sarkis, Ms. Valerie Denomy, and Ms. Mary Becotte respectively.

"I hope tonight’s presentations have demonstrated to you that we are well underway in achieving my vision, which should also now be your vision, for our School to become the premier center of excellence in oral health education, research, and patient care in this nation in the next five years," said Dean Hutter. "In addition, you should depart this evening with a better understanding that our vision will take a great deal of hard work and dedication from all of our faculty, staff, and students, and that I need for each of you to join me in expecting and planning for the very best for our School. We must not settle for anything less than excellence in all of our programs."