The UTHSCSA Dental School in the new millennium

The UTHSCSA Dental School, just short of 30 years in existence, has made great strides to be a leader in dental education. Although increased use of computers has the greatest potential for revolutionizing dental education, there are other components that must constantly be evaluated and improved. A major curriculum review is in progress. The process is a grass roots effort to allow input from faculty, students, alumni and outside consultants. The school's competencies are being reevaluated to assure they are contemporary and the methods to assess them are valid and reliable. The way we evaluate applicants is an ongoing evolution. Our appropriate role in the community (local, national, and international) continues to be a challenge. Success will be measured by how well we continuously evaluate our mission and goals, identify problems and find and implement solutions.