Message From the Dean

Dr. James S. Cole

The events and activities surrounding Baylor College of Dentistry's centennial year gave us the pleasure of looking back at the many noteworthy and challenging periods of the college's history. We can certainly take pride in the accomplishments of those whose vision, determination and resourcefulness have given us such a rich heritage.

The year of reflection also made us realize that we currently are experiencing a significant and innovative period ourselves. Without question, the procedures, the curriculum, the technology and even the philosophy of dental education have gone through a remarkable evolutionary process since we opened our doors as State Dental College in 1905. Many of the most notable changes have occurred within the past 10 years.

The basic sciences are now taught with the aid of computer technology, using digital equipment at each laboratory station to display information presented by instructors. Internet-connected laptops and software employing 3-D graphics heighten learning for first-year students. Preclinical classes use mannequins to simulate actual treatment, greatly enhancing the ability of students to approach their first patient contacts with confidence.

A wealth of new dental materials and procedures offers a broad range of treatment options that would have astounded students in the recent past. Leading-edge research is being conducted right here at the college, and an influx of new researchers holds great promise for significant contributions to the future of oral health care and medicine in general.

As Texas' demographics have changed, so have student demographics at BCD. The college has made steady progress toward admitting more women and minorities over the years, but the 2006 first-year dental class has broken all records for diversity. For the first time, women outnumber men, not only in the entering class but in the entire student body. Underrepresented minority students (African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans) make up 26 percent of the incoming dental class and 20 percent of the total enrollment. We recognize that the representation of these groups within the dental profession is far below their representation in the general population. We believe increasing diversity within our institution and among our graduates creates a broader educational experience for our students and will eventually help address one of our profession's pressing challenges: improving access to oral health care for our nation's chronically underserved populations.

Just as the profession of dentistry is being recognized as an important and integrated element of the health care community, we are forming beneficial relationships with the other members of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. These alliances reach not only across disciplines but across Texas. I believe that our role within the Health Science Center will define us and positively shape our destiny and that the decisions and advancements we make now will reverberate throughout our second century.

"A Legacy of Service" is the theme we chose for our centennial year. I am proud to be a part of this institution that means so much - and does so much - for so many people. May that legacy continue.

About the Dean, Dr. James S. Cole

In August 2000, Dr. James S. Cole was appointed dean of Baylor College of Dentistry after serving as its interim dean since December 1999. He also served as interim president of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center from October 2000 through December 2001, after serving as senior adviser to the HSC president. Prior to his leave of absence, Cole served as the college's chief operating officer, chief financial officer and vice dean for a total of 11 years, guiding all administrative, fiscal, legal and corporate matters. In 1990, Cole, then vice president and director of computer services at BCD, assumed the additional responsibilities of serving as the college's interim president and dean for six months. Later that year, Cole was promoted to executive vice president/associate dean.

Cole first joined the college faculty in 1977 as an instructor in restorative sciences. In 1981, he accepted an appointment as director of computer services, a responsibility he retained through 1992 along with his additional executive duties. He has since become a professor in restorative sciences and continues to teach part time.

A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cole has lived in Texas for the past 50 years. After graduation from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1967, Cole served in the Navy, reaching the rank of lieutenant before his discharge in 1971. He went on to earn his doctor of dental surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1975, and maintained a private practice before joining the BCD faculty.

Cole is a member of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. In May 1999, Cole was named 2000 Dentist of the Year by the Dallas County Dental Society for his continuous service to facilitate dental education in Texas and the nation. In May 2001, the Texas Legislature honored Cole for his outstanding accomplishments in academia. State Rep. Tony Goolsby of Dallas introduced the resolution, which commended Cole for his achievements in dental education.