James S. Cole, DDS
The Electronic Patient Record Project at HSC-Baylor College of Dentistry is led by Dr. Stephen Griffin.
Dr. Lynne Opperman is the director of technology development and associate professor of biomedical sciences.
Baylor College of Dentistry
Dean’s Message
Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry’s centennial year gave us the pleasure of looking back at the many noteworthy and challenging periods of the college’s history. The year made us realize that we currently are experiencing a significant and innovative period. Without question, the procedures, the curriculum, the technology and even the philosophy of dental education have gone through a remarkable evolutionary process since 1905.
Basic sciences are now taught with the aid of computer technology, using digital equipment at each laboratory station to display information presented by instructors. Internet-connected laptops and software employing 3-D graphics heighten learning. Preclinical classes use mannequins to simulate actual treatment, enhancing the ability of students to approach their first patient contacts with confidence. Leading-edge research is being conducted here and an influx of new researchers holds great promise for significant contributions to the future of oral health care and medicine in general.
As Texas’ demographics have changed, so have student demographics at HSC-BCD. The college has made steady progress toward admitting more women and minorities over the years. We believe increasing diversity within our institution and among our graduates creates a broader educational experience for our students and will eventually help address one of our profession’s pressing challenges: improving access to oral health care for our nation’s underserved populations.
“A Legacy of Service” is the theme we chose for our centennial year. I am proud to be a part of this institution that means so much—and does so much—for so many people. May that legacy continue.
James S. Cole, DDS
Introduction
As a distinguished resource for dental education in Texas for more than 100 years, Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas is dedicated to combining higher education and research with community service.
The college is a synergistic environment where students learn life lessons—in addition to dental medicine—from a diverse patient population. Enrollment for the 2006 academic year was 531. Approximately 90 percent of the dental and dental hygiene students and 55 percent of the postdoctoral/graduate students are Texas residents.
Since its founding, HSC-BCD has graduated more than 8,000 dentists and dental hygienists. More than half of all the dentists in the Dallas/Fort Worth area received their dental education at the college, and nearly one-third of all dentists in Texas are HSC-BCD graduates. The college also graduates the largest number of dental hygienists with bachelor’s degrees in the state.
HSC-BCD is the single largest provider of oral health care services in North Texas, receiving 96,000 patient visits per year. The college completes approximately 5,000 emergency patient visits annually, about 45 percent of which are by low-income patients. HSC-BCD served 170,680 people in the 2005-2006 academic year through health fairs, public school programs, Dallas children’s hospitals and community health clinics and programs.
Research expenditures in 2006 exceeded $3.2 million. Through research, HSC-BCD faculty members are opening new doors in a range of areas including implant procedures, periodontal disease management, dental materials improvement, maxillofacial prosthodontics, craniofacial growth and deformities, tobacco cessation and salivary dysfunction treatment.
Highlights
Brand New Brand for Baylor College of Dentistry
After months of anticipation, Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry has launched its new logo, tagline and naming convention. The new logo is just one part of an ongoing Health Science Center branding campaign aimed to strengthen the recognition of the HSC at the local, state and national levels. Along with the logo, a new tagline, Bringing Learning to Life, has been established to highlight the mission and vision of the HSC. Formally introduced in May 2007 at HSC-Baylor College of Dentistry, the new logo replaces all previous logos and seals of the dental school.
Electronic Patient Record Project Increases Clinic Efficiency
HSC-BCD recently implemented its Electronic Patient Record Project to streamline patient records and radiography. Phase one of the project included converting radiographs to a digital format and installing computers in each operatory. In the past, computers were located at strategic locations in clinic and student-use areas. Clinicians are now able to serve patients more efficiently with nearly immediate access to radiographic images. Phase two of the project consists of replacing current patient charts with fully electronic files. Upon completion of the transition, all patient records will be in electronic format and little to no paper will be used in the treatment of patients at the college.
Technology Development Emphasized at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry
In 2006, HSC-BCD established its Office of Technology Development to facilitate technology transfer by working cooperatively with researchers whose work possesses commercialization potential. Technology development is driven by applied or translational research and is intended to result in an increase of technology research at HSC-BCD. Current foci for technology transfer include various aspects of device development and tissue regeneration. Activities within the technology development office include:
- educating, motivating and providing incentives for the inventor
- assessing technologies for patentability and/or market potential
- conducting scientific, industrial and investment evaluations
- cooperating with outside agencies and companies to develop clinical trial protocols and maximize product development and testing.
History
One hundred years ago in Dallas, Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry opened its doors to its first 45 students as State Dental College, a private three-year dental school. When the college became a part of Baylor University in 1918, it was renamed Baylor University College of Dentistry. The college continued as a unit of Baylor University until 1971. At that time it became Baylor College of Dentistry, a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian corporation chartered by the state of Texas to conduct educational programs in dentistry and related fields. In 1996, BCD became an institution of The Texas A&M University System. The college became a component of the Texas A&M Health Science Center in 1999.
1905—Baylor College of Dentistry opens as State Dental College, the first institution of higher learning in Dallas. Forty students and 11 faculty members occupy the second and third floors of a grocery store located on Commerce Street in downtown Dallas, now the site of the Adolphus Hotel. Founder Dr. David E. Morrow serves as dean.
1906—State Dental College graduates its first class—four students.
1908—A woman, Maud George, is enrolled in the freshman class.
1917—The first woman, Dr. Juanita Wade, graduates from State Dental College.
1941—Dr. Bernhard Gottlieb joins the faculty as director of the Department of Oral Pathology and Research. Regarded by many as the father of oral histology and its related disciplines of research, Dr. Gottlieb was internationally recognized as a dedicated teacher and scientist. He continued his work at Baylor until his death in 1950.
1951—The first issue of the Baylor Dental Journal is published.
1955—Caruth School of Dental Hygiene opens. The College celebrates its 50th anniversary.
1962—The College begins administering the dental health program for the city of Dallas.
1971—In order to accept state funds to educate Texas residents, the College separates from Baylor University and Baptist ownership and begins operation as an independent, non-profit, corporation under the direction of its own board of trustees. A contractual agreement provides state financial support. The College is renamed Baylor College of Dentistry.
1977—The College graduates its first two African-American students.
1982—Dr. Bernard Gottlieb is the first person inducted into the Baylor College of Dentistry Hall of Fame.
1995—The College launches its Website on one of the first 200 World Wide Web servers in the world.
1996—Baylor College of Dentistry becomes a part of The Texas A&M University System.
1999—Baylor College of Dentistry becomes one of the founding members of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center.
2002—The Dental Simulation Clinic opens and is the first in the state of Texas.
2005—Baylor College of Dentistry celebrates its 100th anniversary.
2007—The College’s name becomes Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry.
