Message from the dean

Alumni and friends, thank you for your commitment to the best college of dentistry anywhere. What a year and a half this has been for me!

As you know, there was talk last fall between The Texas A&M University System and Baylor University regarding the dental school continuing to have “Baylor” in our name. With the new name announced – Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry – I must thank the many alumni who offered time, feedback and energy to this cause. I also appreciate the senior leadership of the A&M System and Baylor University for recognizing the honor our dental school brings to both of the iconic institutions.

The name is just one administrative and branding change anticipated in 2013 for the dental school and the entire Texas A&M Health Science Center due to efforts to bring the health science center under the administration of Texas A&M University. Approvals from regulatory bodies, accrediting agencies and the Texas Legislature are required and being actively pursued. I will keep you informed of developments as they occur. I am optimistic about how these potential changes will impact our college.

You will be pleased to know the health science center leadership is asking the Texas legislature for bond funds that would directly benefit A&M Baylor College of Dentistry.

Specifically, we are seeking funds for a new facility in Dallas that would house the dental school, still to be located on the Baylor University Medical Center campus. Preliminary plans foresee a larger footprint for the health science center in Dallas over the next 20 years. Also under consideration are plans for an additional facility to accommodate A&M medical students, some of whom are already doing clinical rotations through BUMC and enjoying their experiences in Dallas. It could also house allied health programs, such as nursing and pharmacy.

A new building has been on A&M Baylor College of Dentistry’s wish list for many years, and this is the closest we’ve come to that possibility in some time. We will see how the legislative session goes and keep you posted.

Another bit of news on the home front that is very exciting: the retooling of the Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis to a serve as a home for clinical and translational research at TAMBCD. I see wonderful potential for this new vision to take current research successes to a new level. I also envision our alumni being involved as partners in clinical research, which would open up new doors for collaboration and discoveries we couldn’t make solely on our own.

In January we welcomed our 50-year dental reunion class for a tour of the dental school. Facilities have changed a bit – for the better – but the values, integrity and excellent clinical education remain. Any alumni who haven’t been back for awhile should really make it a priority to visit. We’ll be delighted to show you around!

We love what we do. We are honored to continue to attract the best and brightest students, and we are humbled by the responsibility we have to serve the citizens of the state of Texas. Opportunities and obstacles await, but we bring enthusiasm to our work. Join with us in realizing new possibilities for TAMBCD as we create the future with optimism.