In July 2012, Texas A&M College of Dentistry established a Center of Excellence through a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers of Excellence program. This highly competitive grant initiative is designed to develop a skilled healthcare workforce representative of the U.S. population.
The college’s five-year grant program, titled “Bridge to Dentistry: Awareness to Practicing, Teaching, and Research,” is led by Dr. Ernestine Lacy, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Professor. The Center of Excellence focuses on attracting and retaining a cross-section of students and faculty while building on the college’s established pipeline program.
The center strengthens the dental school’s role as a national resource and educational hub, while reaffirming its commitment to improving access to dental care for underserved communities. It enhances programs that prepare students to provide care to various patient populations in off-campus, community-based facilities. One of its key objectives is to graduate dental professionals committed to improving the oral health of underserved urban and rural communities across Texas and beyond.
With a focus on information resources, clinical education, curriculum development, and cultural competence, the center addresses the health challenges faced by underserved populations. It also promotes faculty and student research on health issues affecting these groups.
This comprehensive initiative connects the Dallas Independent School District, three undergraduate institutions, and community organizations, offering programs and activities that engage students from Pre-K through dental school, as well as dental faculty.
