Dean Huja outlines a new aspirational strategy for the College of Dental Medicine and other timely updates

Dear James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine alumni and friends,‌

It is my pleasure to share updates and upcoming events with you.

An aspirational new strategy

Within 20 years, MUSC envisions that South Carolina will be ranked in the top 20 in the nation for health outcomes and will be a top 20 academic health system in the nation. As a college, we are aligned with the university’s aspirational goals.

We take pride and solemn responsibility as South Carolina’s only dental college. Through our mission in education, research and patient care, we are committed to a healthy future for South Carolina and healthy smiles for all.

Alongside MUSC’s three focus areas, the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine will pursue a bold strategy over the coming years:

• Empower Healthy Communities - Develop an integrated network of oral health across South Carolina to improve health. For example, we are building a hub and spoke model of a GPR program in Florence, Marion and Lake City to support rural South Carolina.


• Reshape the Future Workforce - Foster an environment that creates workplace engagement and value. Inspire and equip learners and employees to be leaders in oral health and education.


• Drive Innovation and Health Transformation - Drive investment in innovation, creating new knowledge and scientific discoveries through an expanded research portfolio. Drive transformative changes in health care, research, enrollment and learning. Our Innovation Lab is a direct example of this strategy.

Your support of our students and college continues to be deeply appreciated. Your partnership in planning for the needs of South Carolina’s oral health workforce and the people we care for is essential.

Tuition

I am sure you have heard by now about a major reduction in tuition and fees for our in-state students which will positively impact future generations of students. This reduction will also allow us to continue to recruit competitive students. This is a profound achievement through the support and advocacy of our State Legislature. We are grateful to many individuals and groups. I am unaware of any dental school in the nation who has successfully advocated such a reduction, especially after no increases in tuition and fees for eight consecutive years (2017 onwards).

Save the date

The college is planning a casual event in Charleston for our dental alumni on the evening of Feb. 28, 2026. We’ll provide more details as they become available.

Continuing education

Register now for our October 2025 courses:

• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring


• Carlos F. Salinas Dental Program for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Individuals with Special Health Care Needs

The MUSC College of Dental Medicine is an ADA CERP-recognized provider.

Sincerely,
Sarandeep Huja, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Dean, MUSC James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine