The University of Tennessee Health Science Center's College of Dentistry is stepping up its game under new leadership, with a commitment to community care taking center stage. In the Winter 2025 issue of Dentistry Magazine, stories abound of alumni, faculty, and students alike bringing this mission to life through their collective impact on the health of folks in Tennessee. A fresh narrative within these pages draws attention to hearts and minds becoming zealously invested in the profession's capability to heal beyond the dental chair.
Among the magazine's features is a narrative that recounts the journey of a former Campus Police officer whose newfound passion in dental hygiene led him to decisively change career paths - an embodiment of the college's dedication to empowering those who wish to better serve the population's health. The publication further details transformative plans to renovate the Dunn Dental Building — an effort that pledges to both modernize facilities and pay tribute to the building’s namesake and his enduring influence.
Highlighting the college's widening impact, Dean Ken Tilashalski, DMD, articulates the school's renewed vision succinctly: "to take care of people." This is more than a mere tagline; the manifestation of this objective is evident in the varied endeavors and projects that spill from the pages of their latest magazine issue. From the recruitment of compassionate individuals to the physical revitalization of their infrastructure, the college seems steadfast in their trajectory toward becoming an anchor for health in the community.
The enthusiasm within the college is palpable, spreading quickly to reach all corners of Tennessee. Ample support from the alumni network ensures resources are allocated to not just maintain, but to robustly enhance the college's facilities and programs. As the magazine makes evident, the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee is on a mission to not just teach, but also to earnestly embody the principle of care in every facet of its existence.
