Leo E. Rouse, DDS
Howard University College of Dentistry
Dean’s Message
The Howard University College of Dentistry celebrates more than 125 years of academic excellence, having trained more African-American dentists than any dental school in the United States of America. While it has been 33 years since I was a dental student at Howard, the College practices the same dedication and commitment to excellence and community service today as it did when I first stepped through its doors more than three decades ago. Looking back on those years, I give credit to my alma mater for the many successes I have experienced in my dental career. Many other things, however, have changed dramatically. Just to name a few, the force and pace of technology’s impact on the profession and the more serious need to recruit and retain underrepresented minorities into dental education both as students and faculty.
I remain committed to ensuring that the future generations of Howard graduates are culturally competent, committed to providing care to underserved communities and have a passion for our great profession. The college remains committed to providing a superior dental education and research opportunities to its’ predoctoral and postdoctoral students.
As one who understands first-hand the rewards and responsibilities of this great institution, I am honored to play a leading role in extending the College’s remarkable legacy.
Leo E. Rouse, DDS
Introduction
The Howard University College of Dentistry stands out as a model of leadership and progress, is a major component of Howard University’s Center for Health Sciences and stands unique in its mission, its academic environment, and its community of scholars and students. In a challenging yet supportive environment, the college’s students thrive on the advantages of modern facilities and some of the best-trained faculty members in the world, who also serve on state boards of dental examiners and as leaders in prestigious professional organizations.
The College of Dentistry occupies a five-story building. Recent major construction projects include an 85 seat Smart Classroom with state of the art multimedia presentation systems and internet access at each seat; a 45 seat Preclinical Simulation Laboratory with state of the art multimedia presentation systems, and an 18 unit digitized Orthodontic Clinic with internet access at each dental operatory and digital radiography devices. Other resources for the college include the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library, a world-class research facility for health-care professionals. The library has state-of-the-art telecommunication and audiovisual capabilities. College of Dentistry teaching programs are designed to produce outstanding general practitioners and specialists. Students are trained in the use of auxiliary personnel in a computerized clinical environment. Hospital rotations are a regular part of the dental curriculum that includes a focus on pain and anxiety control using inhalation sedation procedures. As it has since the earliest days of the college, research contributes hugely to teaching and instruction, at both the predoctoral and postdoctoral levels.
Highlights
On March 24, 2004, the College opened its’ nearly 6,000 square feet 18-Chair Orthodontic Clinic. The multi-use space comprises a new ceiling, and wall and floor finishes that enhance the academic experience of both residents and faculty. In addition to the 18 state-of-the-art orthodontic chairs with chair-side computer stations, there is a comprehensive lab facility, two x-ray systems with digital conversion system, a tooth brushing station and a 300 square foot library/computer center for student research. The facility also boasts tow conference/training rooms, faculty offices with direct view into the clinic, a consultation office, reception and business areas, a lunch room and ample storage space.
On March 15, 2005, the College opened its’ new Simulation Laboratory. The laboratory comprises 45 stationary student stations managed by one multimedia teaching workstation that allows the display of a sizeable volume of information or images to be viewed by students on individual LCD flat panel monitors. The college made history during the 1971-72 academic year when it unveiled the world’s first convertible clinic laboratory with 45 teaching stations. It was also the first institution to place a dental mannequin on a dental chair for pre-clinical instruction.
Celebration of 125 years [1881-2006] of dental education.
History
Founded in 1881, The Howard University College of Dentistry is the fifth-oldest dental school in the United States and the only dental school in the nation’s capital. Originally a department within the College of Medicine, the College of Dentistry was established with the appointment of James B. Hodgkin, M.D., of the medical faculty, to lecture to the medical class on the subject of practical dentistry. The College’s first regular professor, a trained doctor of dentistry, was N.W. Whitcomb, D.D.S., appointed on June 5, 1882. The 1883-1884 school term was the first formal session of the new College of Dentistry with five students completing the first year course of study.
The College of Dentistry never drew the line on color or gender. Matriculation was open to anyone who could qualify for the College of Medicine. Howard’s College of Dentistry was among the first to admit women. The college also accepted a large share of responsibility for training African-American dentists for a segregated people who were, in many instances, without access to competent dental care.
The College today, is one of three colleges of the Howard University’s Center for the Health Sciences and is also a prestigious unit among the University’s 12 schools and colleges. We are truly proud to produce leaders for America and the Global Community.
1929—Dr. Arnold Donawa, a Howard trained dentist and dental teacher, became the first full dean of the College of Dentistry.
1933—A curriculum was established by Dean Dixon for the training of Dental Hygienist at Howard University.
1975—Dr. Jeanne Sinkford was appointed Dean of the College of Dentistry becoming the first female Dean of a dental school in the United States.
2004—New Orthodontic Clinic opens
2005—New Simulation Laboratory opens
