LDA Journal - Louisiana Dental Association

LDA
Eric J. Hovland, D.D.S., M.Ed., M.B.A.
Dean, LSU School of Dentistry
LSU school of dentistry
It has been an Honor to Serve!
It has been a great honor to serve as dean of
Louisiana’s only dental school for the past 14 years.
With mixed emotions, I have decided to relinquish my
position as dean and to pursue other equally important
opportunities within the LSU Health Sciences Center. As a
result, I have requested that Dr. Larry Hollier, chancellor
of LSUHSC, begin a search for a new dean. I will remain
as dean until a replacement is appointed.
Before Katrina, our school had moved
into that group of the “very best.” Then
the storm literally destroyed our school.
However, with the support of the
faculty, staff and dental community,
we persevered and were able to continue
our mission in Baton Rouge while
rebuilding our school in New Orleans.
I am so grateful for the faithful support
of so many during this time.
We are now back in New Orleans
and are focused on ensuring that LSUSD
remains one of the finest dental schools
in the world. Faculty recruitment and
retention continues to be a top priority
and we have recently hired six new
exceptional junior full-time faculty.
A visionary strategic plan, developed by
faculty and staff, will lead the school over the next three
years. In addition, the LSUHSC leadership has committed
to support the development of a new oral biology
department with both basic science and clinical faculty.
Exceptional students continue to be enrolled in all of our
educational programs and a comprehensive care clinical
curriculum will be instituted as well. Our financial
condition is solid—today, two years after the storm,
we are in an excellent position to grow and excel.
After a new dean is appointed, my focus will shift to
the area of public health. Oral health
disparities continue to be a major problem in
Louisiana and throughout the United States,
and I am excited to be involved in addressing
this important issue. Initially, I will focus on
integrating the public health message into
the LSUSD dental curriculum. My goal
is to develop a cadre of dental health
professionals who will be aware of and
involved in dental public health issues long
after they graduate.
It has been an honor to be a part of such
a wonderful group of alumni, colleagues and
friends over the years. The support extended
to LSUSD during my tenure has been
exceptional—please accept my warmest
appreciation and admiration.
The LSU School of Dentistry will continue
to be a very special place, and I encourage
you to continue your involvement and support. If I can
ever be of service, please do not hesitate to email me at
ehovla@lsuhsc.edu. t
LDA Annual Session and New Orleans Dental Conference
April 10 - 12, 2008
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, LA
20 LDA Journal