Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association

LDAlsu school of dentistryEric J. Hovland, D.D.S., M.Ed., M.B.A.Dean, LSU School of DentistryGiving ThanksAs we look toward a new year, I am grateful for therelatively smooth relocation back to New Orleans.Although we experienced some challenges, the majorconcerns—student admissions, education and patientcare—have been resolved in a short period of time.Student admissions continue to be strong. This fall,a total of 112 students were accepted: 60 dentalstudents, 44 dental hygiene students and 6 dentallaboratory technology students. For the 2007-2008academic year, the school has a total of 342 studentsand 61 residents. Classrooms and clinics are fullyoperational, although some areas continue to undergorenovations and improvement.In September, a press conference welcomed newpatients to LSUSD. Since then, 900 individuals wereaccepted as patients. By the end of the year, the schoolexpects to accept a least 1,800 more, which will bringthe LSUSD clinics to full patient capacity. Patientrecords are now paperless thanks to a generousdonation from axiUm!In addition to the LSUSD clinics, the pediatric clinicat Children’s Hospital and the HIV Outpatient DentalClinic in downtown New Orleans are both fullyoperational. Through Children’s Hospital, the ToothBus is providing dental care to underserved childrenthroughout the New Orleans region. In addition,recently secured HRSA funding has supported thedevelopment of a mobile dental van in which dentalservices will be provided to HIV-positive individualsand other “at-risk” populations.In other areas of Louisiana, our satellite operationsin Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Alexandria continue toprovide much needed dental care to underservedpopulations. Also, general practice and oral andmaxillofacial residents are providing care throughseveral hospitals statewide—Earl K. Long, Huey P. Longand University Hospital.With regard to academics and research, theestablishment of the LSUSD Department of Oral andCraniofacial Biology was officially approved by theLouisiana Board of Regents. This initiative will assist inthe development of a more streamlined basic-sciencecurriculum to enhance and strengthen dentaleducation. LSUSD administrators and faculty are alsopreparing for the school’s upcoming accreditation visitin March 2009; this is a significant challenge as we arestill refining our operations in New Orleans. Throughthe accreditation process, the ADA Commission onDental Accreditation will evaluate the school’s collectiveprograms, processes and outcomes.Renovations continue on the first floors of the clinicand administration building. Both floors will havelimited use due to FEMA regulations. Auditoriums A &B renovations should be complete by the Summer 2008and architectural drawings have been completed for anew campus building, which will house a state-of-theartsurgery, esthetic and clinical research clinic. Afaculty dental practice clinic will also be housed in thenew building.Our efforts are moving forward successfully and Iam extremely optimistic about the future of the LSUSD.The search for a new dean is still in progress and everyeffort will be made to communicate a decision once acandidate is selected. For now, I continue to strive forexcellence to ensure that Louisiana’s only dental schoolcontinues to retain its position as one of the best in theworld. I also sincerely give thanks to all those whohave helped the school through this challengingtransition. Please accept my best wishes for aprosperous and healthy 2008!tWinter 2007 23