Reviews
A Compelling Story of Success
This remarkable publication about Howard University College of Dentistry is an essential contribution to the history of health professions education programs in the United States. This institution’s present and former leaders, alumni, faculty, staff, and students have developed a priceless legacy. The services provided to our citizens by Howard University College of Dentistry graduates have improved our oral and general health, helped stabilize our communities, and strengthened their economic viability. The following 140 years promise even more significant leadership and service from Howard University College of Dentistry. This exciting history of rewarding and compelling achievement has benefited so many.
—Louis W. Sullivan, MD
President Emeritus, Morehouse School of Medicine United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, 1989-1993
History is vital. Knowledge of history provides a context for the present condition and serves as a platform to anticipate the future. The future is inextricably linked to the past. Howard University’s College of Dentistry has a rich and preeminent history as the first dental school dedicated to educating and training dentists to address the needs of the “Negro” population. Dentists of color primarily serve today’s oral health needs of populations of color. The College ensures its graduates understand the issues of access to care and the oral health inequities that challenge all communities, particularly those of color. Achieving social justice regarding oral health is a core concept embedded in the curriculum. These features of dental education will ensure the legacy and status of Howard University’s College of Dentistry as a leader in dental education. This book offers lessons for all readers.
—Caswell A. Evans, DDS, MPH
Professor Emeritus
Pediatric Dentistry, Prevention and Public Health
The SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, highlighted how people of color inequitably shoulder the burden of disparate within the health system. Dean Andrea Jackson, Dean Emerita Jeanne Sinkford, and Dr. Donna Grant-Mills (Associate Dean), reminded us of the mission and legacy of the Howard University College of Dentistry. Since its founding in 1881, the college has been committed to training dentists who are committed to providing care to patients living at the margins or in Health Professional Shortage Areas. This book outlines the leadership needed to advance the education of students of color and all races and ethnicity who would be dedicated to improving the oral health of patients who, in some eras, might have gone untreated and dedicated to reducing healthcare inequities. In addition, this book celebrates the legacy of the College of Dentistry that has spanned three centuries and the impact of its graduates, who have provided care for all types of patients and have become educators and leaders in the dental profession. The authors tell the remarkable story of Howard University College of Dentistry’s profound impact on the oral health profession.
—Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD
Dean at University of Minnesota School of Dentistry,
Dental Educator| Transformative Leader| DEI & Oral Healthcare Advocate
University of Minnesota
Chair of ADEA Board of Directors, 2021-2022
From the cascading intent of our ancestors, the visionaries, to the rich legacy of those alumni who continue to prepare the door for the next generation (the vision), the mission of the Howard University College of Dentistry continues to provide exceptional dental education to individuals, especially African Americans and other historically underrepresented and disadvantaged students. I am a living testimony of the value and resourcefulness of the curriculum, including education, research, and service to produce thousands of the finest dental professionals in the world. Upon graduation, we become pillars in our communities, committing ourselves to providing oral health care in communities of those less fortunate throughout the United States and internationally. Howard University College of Dentistry (HUCD) commits to developing our character and life skills and instilling the importance of maintaining integrity, morals, ethics, and compassion. What value can such divine education, nurturing, training, and endearment be placed? It’s PRICELESS!! HUCD, we are eternally grateful.
—Cheryl Y. Lee, DDS.
Class of 1983
98th President NDA
Reviews
A Compelling Story of Success
This remarkable publication about Howard University College of Dentistry is an essential contribution to the history of health professions education programs in the United States. This institution’s present and former leaders, alumni, faculty, staff, and students have developed a priceless legacy. The services provided to our citizens by Howard University College of Dentistry graduates have improved our oral and general health, helped stabilize our communities, and strengthened their economic viability. The following 140 years promise even more significant leadership and service from Howard University College of Dentistry. This exciting history of rewarding and compelling achievement has benefited so many.
—Louis W. Sullivan, MD
President Emeritus, Morehouse School of Medicine United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, 1989-1993
History is vital. Knowledge of history provides a context for the present condition and serves as a platform to anticipate the future. The future is inextricably linked to the past. Howard University’s College of Dentistry has a rich and preeminent history as the first dental school dedicated to educating and training dentists to address the needs of the “Negro” population. Dentists of color primarily serve today’s oral health needs of populations of color. The College ensures its graduates understand the issues of access to care and the oral health inequities that challenge all communities, particularly those of color. Achieving social justice regarding oral health is a core concept embedded in the curriculum. These features of dental education will ensure the legacy and status of Howard University’s College of Dentistry as a leader in dental education. This book offers lessons for all readers.
—Caswell A. Evans, DDS, MPH
Professor Emeritus
Pediatric Dentistry, Prevention and Public Health
The SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, highlighted how people of color inequitably shoulder the burden of disparate within the health system. Dean Andrea Jackson, Dean Emerita Jeanne Sinkford, and Dr. Donna Grant-Mills (Associate Dean), reminded us of the mission and legacy of the Howard University College of Dentistry. Since its founding in 1881, the college has been committed to training dentists who are committed to providing care to patients living at the margins or in Health Professional Shortage Areas. This book outlines the leadership needed to advance the education of students of color and all races and ethnicity who would be dedicated to improving the oral health of patients who, in some eras, might have gone untreated and dedicated to reducing healthcare inequities. In addition, this book celebrates the legacy of the College of Dentistry that has spanned three centuries and the impact of its graduates, who have provided care for all types of patients and have become educators and leaders in the dental profession. The authors tell the remarkable story of Howard University College of Dentistry’s profound impact on the oral health profession.
—Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD
Dean at University of Minnesota School of Dentistry,
Dental Educator| Transformative Leader| DEI & Oral Healthcare Advocate
University of Minnesota
Chair of ADEA Board of Directors, 2021-2022
From the cascading intent of our ancestors, the visionaries, to the rich legacy of those alumni who continue to prepare the door for the next generation (the vision), the mission of the Howard University College of Dentistry continues to provide exceptional dental education to individuals, especially African Americans and other historically underrepresented and disadvantaged students. I am a living testimony of the value and resourcefulness of the curriculum, including education, research, and service to produce thousands of the finest dental professionals in the world. Upon graduation, we become pillars in our communities, committing ourselves to providing oral health care in communities of those less fortunate throughout the United States and internationally. Howard University College of Dentistry (HUCD) commits to developing our character and life skills and instilling the importance of maintaining integrity, morals, ethics, and compassion. What value can such divine education, nurturing, training, and endearment be placed? It’s PRICELESS!! HUCD, we are eternally grateful.
—Cheryl Y. Lee, DDS.
Class of 1983
98th President NDA