Letter from the Chair

     Diagnostic Sciences is unique in that it combines the technical skill and knowledge of both dentistry and medicine. It consists of Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, and Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Combined, these specialties provide a center for teaching, scholarly activity, and patient care concerning the diagnosis and management of disorders and abnormalities of the oral and maxillofacial region for patients ranging from newborns to the elderly. Our department also offers a broad range of exceptional opportunities for innovative basic and clinical research.

      The Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences at the Medical College of Georgia is as unique as the specialties housed in it. The program provides both a large and well-balanced clinical load, as well as an excellent research environment. We have a comprehensive Department and training program that covers all present and evolving aspects of oral medicine, pathology and radiology. Supporting our program is a regionally renown Medical Center with an excellent reputation for its clinical programs and for its dedication and success in research.

      The cornerstone of our program is the shared vision and relationship between our dedicated faculty, students, and staff. While providing excellent and comprehensive clinical care is a key objective for our Department, our main goal is that of education and the advancement of oral medicine, pathology and radiology.

      Our Department has a rich history and strong foundation on which to build and we are in an exciting period of growth and expansion. In my first few months as Department Chair, we have seen numerous improvements in curriculum, clinical education, and research. From the clinical standpoint, the School of Dentistry is in the early phases of expansion to a new facilty scheduled to open in 2011. The school is vertically and horizontally integrated and extends widely into the surrounding community. We have recently movedour clinical practice into a state of the art clinic - The Clinical Center for Oral Medicine- adjacent to our new academic offices.

     The large number, variety of clinical interests, and the expertise of the faculty within the Medical College of Georgia training system, combined with the large volume of patients, provide the basis for an outstanding program. We are in the process of further expanding our faculty and our continued growth and development is centered on the objective of enhancing our teaching curriculum.

    
You will find the faculty, students, and staff committed to a high level of excellence. Our faculty and students are one of the many strengths of our program and are an integral part of our past, present, and future success.

 


Scott S. De Rossi, DMD
Associate Professor of Oral Medicine

and Chair, Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences

	Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences Mission Statement:
	This multidisciplinary department integrates diagnostic sciences (Oral Medicine, Oral Radiology and Oral Pathology) with social, behavioral and epidemiologic research including issues relating to community oral health.
	To provide preeminent education, excellent patient care, and foster innovative research in all aspects diagnostics sciences including oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology and oral and maxillofacial radiology.
	To provide preeminent education, excellent patient care, and foster innovative research in all areas of oral health including community oral health and preventive dentistry, epidemiology and outcomes research, dental public health and geriatric dentistry.