Howard University College of Dentistry

Howard University College of Dentistry. It is the dental school of Howard University, a prominent historically black university located in Washington, D.C.. Founded in the late 19th century, it holds the distinction of being the fifth oldest dental school in the United States and has played a pivotal role in training a significant portion of the nation's African American dentists. The college is renowned for its commitment to serving underserved communities and advancing oral health equity through education, research, and clinical care.

History

The college was established in 1881 by the university's third president, William W. Patton, with its first class graduating in 1884. Its founding was a direct response to the severe lack of educational opportunities for African Americans in the health professions during the post-Reconstruction period. A key early figure was Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman, a graduate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the first African American to earn a dental degree in the United States, who is honored as the college's "first graduate." Throughout the 20th century, it grew in stature, moving to its current location on the Howard University campus in the 1970s. The college has consistently been a leader in diversifying the dental profession, producing graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions across the United States and internationally.

Academics

The college offers a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program, which provides a comprehensive curriculum integrating biomedical sciences, clinical practice, and public health. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and emphasizes clinical experience through its patient care centers. Students also engage in community-based rotations and externships, often serving populations in Ward 7 and Ward 8 of Washington, D.C. Postdoctoral training is available in several specialties, including Orthodontics, Pediatric dentistry, and Periodontics. The college fosters leadership and professional development, preparing graduates to excel in private practice, academia, and public service.

Research

Research activities are centered within the Office of Research and are integral to the college's mission. Faculty and students conduct investigations across several key areas, with a strong focus on addressing oral health disparities, particularly those affecting minority and low-income populations. Other research strengths include biomaterials science, craniofacial genetics, and the oral manifestations of systemic diseases like diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The college collaborates with other institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and the Morehouse School of Medicine. These efforts contribute to the scientific foundation of dentistry and support the university's broader research enterprise.

Facilities

The primary facility is the Howard University Health Sciences Center, which houses the college's administrative offices, classrooms, and simulation laboratories. The main clinical facility is the Howard University Dental Clinic, a large, modern patient care center that provides comprehensive dental services to the community. This clinic serves as the primary training ground for D.D.S. students and residents. Additional clinical training occurs at satellite locations and through partnerships with community health centers like the Unity Health Care system. The college also maintains specialized labs for biomedical research and digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM technology.

Notable people

The college's alumni and faculty include many pioneering figures in dentistry and public health. Notable alumni include Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford, the first African American woman to be appointed dean of a U.S. dental school (at Howard University), and Dr. Lonnie H. Bristow, the first African American president of the American Medical Association. Dr. Robert T. Freeman, honored as its first graduate, is a foundational figure. Distinguished former deans include Dr. John E. Frank and Dr. Charles H. Epps Jr., who also served as a professor of orthopedic surgery. These individuals have profoundly impacted health policy, education, and clinical practice nationally.

Category:Dental schools in the United States Category:Howard University Category:Educational institutions established in 1881 Category:1881 establishments in Washington, D.C.