Workman School of Dental Medicine - High Point University

The Workman School of Dental Medicine, part of High Point University (HPU), is a pioneering institution in dental education, notable as North Carolina's sole private Dental school. Established with a significant $32 million gift from the Rick and Angie Workman Foundation, it welcomed its inaugural Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) class in Fall 2024. The school's mission is centered on placing patient care at the forefront, guided by core values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, integrity, and a growth mindset. The curriculum, known as the "CARE" curriculum (Clinician-Advocate-Researcher-Entrepreneur), is designed to be highly innovative and experiential, with nearly 50% of the learning dedicated to hands-on practice. This approach aims to prepare students not only with robust clinical skills but also to be leaders in oral health advocacy, research, and entrepreneurial ventures within the evolving healthcare landscape. The school utilizes an integrated and personalized dental education model, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient well-being, recognizing the profound connection between oral health and overall systemic health. A distinguishing feature of the Workman School of Dental Medicine is its strong emphasis on practical, real-world experience. This is facilitated through HPU Health, a network of university-owned and operated dental practices located across North Carolina's Triad and Triangle regions. Students gain extensive clinical exposure in authentic practice environments, supervised by experienced clinicians, and learn about the business, management, and financial aspects of a dental practice. The school's facilities include state-of-the-art simulation labs, notably the world's largest haptic simulation lab utilizing SIMtoCARE dental simulation units, which replicate the feel of a real tooth for safe and effective training. The curriculum also integrates digital dentistry, including intraoral scanners, 3D printers, CAD/CAM design, and artificial intelligence, preparing graduates for the future of dentistry. Beyond the DMD program, the Workman School of Dental Medicine offers advanced clinical education programs, including an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, a Digital Dentistry Fellowship, and a unique Oral Oncology Fellowship. The school also offers an accelerated six-year Dental Medicine Scholars Program for highly qualified high school seniors, allowing them to earn both a baccalaureate and DMD degree. The Workman School of Dental Medicine received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in August 2023 and is on track for full accreditation upon the graduation of its first class. The school is committed to addressing the shortage of dental professionals and expanding access to oral health care, particularly for underserved populations in North Carolina, partly through initiatives like the mobile dental clinic donated by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation. The current dean is Muhammad Ali Shazib, DMD.