Back in 2014, we made a bold move with the launch of our new campus in San Francisco. Years of planning and hard work resulted in a state-of-the-art home that now serves as a flexible, innovative space to support our people and programs. We were so happy to showcase our campus at the “5 on Fifth” anniversary reception held in early September during the ADA/FDI World Dental Congress, which took place just steps away from us at the Moscone Center. If you haven’t been back in a while, please feel free to stop by for a visit the next time you’re in town so we can show you some of the great things taking place at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Innovation and leadership are two of the most significant qualities of the Dugoni School of Dentistry. We hold these qualities up high as part of our six school values—or commitments—identified in our strategic plan, Transforming the Future of Oral Health Education. But more than just words in a plan, they also come to life every day.

This issue of Contact Point touches on both of these values. We explore innovative advances in our curriculum through the launch of our new Personalized Instruction Program (a new required element of our Helix Curriculum) and leadership by our students and alumni who are making a difference in our school, our communities and organized dentistry alike. We also take a look at a milestone moment in the lives of dental students—the distribution of the student kit—and how the elements of that kit have changed to reflect our changing profession.

From our earliest days, our school has been a place that encourages innovation and leadership. These are two powerful values, and when they are combined great things happen. We look forward to supporting our students as they pursue their dreams, launch their careers and become innovators and leaders in their own unique way.

Sincerely,

Nader A. Nadershahi ’94, DDS, MBA, EdD

Dean