Dental education is the foundation on which all of dentistry is sustained and advanced. It nurtures ethics and professionalism and is responsible for dentistry's image as a trusted health-care profession. Dental education provides the framework within which scientific discoveries are made and treatment advances are developed. Dental schools create the desire in students to become educators, researchers and practitioners. Dental schools are also the safety net for people in underserved communities who would not otherwise have access to care. A strong dental education system produces a vigorous dental profession, resulting in the highest level of oral health care for the public.

Our Legacy - Our Future will help bring attention and resources to dental education that will be used to foster a stronger, more secure, dynamic dental education system and by doing so, will help to improve America's oral health.

Dr. Arthur Dugoni,
Honorary Chair