School of Dentistry (SOD)

Administration

• Pia Chatterjee Kirk, DDS, Interim Dean

• James R. Lott, DMD, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs

• Jason A. Griggs, PhD, Associate Dean for Research

• Scott M. Phillips, DMD, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

• Kristin Nalls, PhD, Assistant Dean for Students & Lead Director for Admissions

History

The long-range plan for the development of the Medical Center included the creation of a dental school in the 1971-1979 period. In the regular session of 1973, the Mississippi Legislature authorized the Board of Trustees to establish a School of Dentistry at the Medical Center for the "encouragement of the study of dentistry toward the doctor of dental medicine degree (DMD) as well as the continued education of the state's dental health professionals, and the encouragement of dental research and the improvement of dental health."

The School of Dentistry enrolled its first students in 1975, and the first class graduated in May 1979. The dental education building, which adjoins the main Medical Center complex by an enclosed walkway, was completed in 1977. The five-story structure was dedicated in public and scientific ceremonies in March 1978.

The first dental hygiene class graduated from the School of Health Related Professions (SHRP) in 1972. At that time, the program was one of two certificate programs offered at SHRP. Beginning with the class of 1987, graduates were awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. In 2011, the program added an advanced standing online program to allow licensed dental hygienists with a certificate or associate's degree the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. These programs moved to the School of Dentistry in 2017.

Contact

School of Dentistry
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 N. State St.
Jackson, MS 39216
Office: (601) 984-6155
Email: SOD-DeansOffice@umc.edu