Last week, I journeyed with several faculty to see what new technologies and materials are and will be available to dentists and dental students in the coming months and years. Viewing our possible future is an important part of estimating what our dental school curriculum should include going forward. Our visit was an affirmation that there will be new materials for direct restoration, that digital technologies continue to evolve, and that we will be more and more dependent on technology to achieve broader access to clinical care and enhanced patient outcomes.  

In reflection, what stood out most to me were two things: First, VCU School of Dentistry offers an exciting and current clinical curriculum in terms of materials and technology in a community that challenges us to deliver the promise of innovation to everyone. Secondly, our faculty are keenly aware of and expert users of these materials and technologies. 

Walking through our undergraduate and graduate clinics, I see great achievements and greater opportunities in our use of new materials and technologies. The lasers and scanners, materials and software all require outstanding faculty and staff able to support our goal of providing the best clinical education to the best of dental students for the broadest community in need.  We are fortunate to have “all of the above” working at VCU.