• Our Mission
• Our Purpose
• Leadership
• Diversity at the School of Dentistry
• Accreditation

Our Mission

To provide the highest quality oral health education, patient care, research and community service. The School of Dentistry shares the vision, mission and core values with those of the parent university, with a specific focus on oral health. The School of Dentistry serves the local community, the state of Oregon and the wider region, and the national and international oral health professions.

OHSU Mission Statement

Our Purpose

To impart scientific knowledge and clinical skills needed in the practice of the dental profession, to instill standards of professional conduct as a way of life, and to promote a dedication to continuous life-long professional study and self-improvement.

Leadership

• Dean: Ron Sakaguchi, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.B.A.
• Chief Operating Officer: Joni Elsenpeter, M.A.
• Senior Associate Dean for Academic Systems: Gary Stafford, D.M.D.
• Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Systems:  Karan J. Replogle, D.D.S, M.S.
• Associate Dean for Clinic Informatics & Learner Engagement: Peter Morita, D.M.D.
• Associate Dean for Finance and Administration: Anne Rudwick, M.B.A.
• Associate Dean for Student Admissions: Susie Goolsby, D.D.S., M.S.H.A.
• Associate Dean for Research: Hui Wu, Ph.D.

Diversity at the School of Dentistry

The School of Dentistry at the Oregon Health & Science University is committed to supporting and sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment for its students, residents, faculty, staff and patients. Diversity and Inclusion is the university’s first goal in its Vision 2020 Strategic Plan. OHSU must “be a great organization, diverse in people and ideas.” Diversity is more than one’s race, ethnicity and gender. It also includes, but is not limited to, national and ethnic origin, citizenship status, color, creed, religion, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Through our recruitment and retention strategies, we intend to attract diverse students who will foster an environment of mutual respect, where the free exchange of ideas flourishes. Embracing diversity allows us to improve and demonstrate integrity, compassion and leadership in healing, teaching, research and community service. A diverse workforce and student body fosters innovation and creativity, maximizes the return on our investment in people and helps us all thrive.

OHSU Diversity Resources

• Respect for All resource guide
• Diversity Action Plan
• OHSU Diversity Advisory Council
• OHSU Center for Diversity and Inclusion
• Diversity Resource Guide
• CDI Anti-Racist Resources
• Office for Student Access (academic accommodations)
• Cultural Awareness Guide
• OHSU Pride
• Students for LGBTQ Health
• OHSU Title IX

Accreditation

All dental and dental-related education programs in the U.S. are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission on Dental Accreditation establishes, maintains and applies standards that assure the quality and continuous improvement of dental and dental-related education and reflect the evolving practice of dentistry. The School of Dentistry will undergo a CODA visit October 14-17, 2024. It's last successful CODA accreditation occurred in 2016. Contact CODA at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL  60611-2678.

Oregon Health & Science University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). It is a regional accrediting body approved by the U.S. Department of Education. As part of OHSU, the School of Dentistry is likewise accredited by NWCCU. Regional accreditation serves as the means of assuring the quality of higher education through rigorous peer-review and evaluation. OHSU has maintained continuous accreditation with the commission.