Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association

LDAlsu school of dentistryEric J. Hovland, D.D.S., M.Ed., M.B.A.Reflections on Tenure as Dean of the LSUSDIt has been nearly 15 years since I joined the LSUDental School. As I reflect on my tenure as dean, ithas been some of the most rewarding years of my life.The accomplishments, friendships and experience I’vegained will always be treasured. I am so proud of theaccomplishments of those who have helped the schoolto expand and excel—in academics, research andpatient care.I remember the editorial I wrote for The Times-Picayune in which I boasted that, even thoughLouisiana may be the last in many things, we are, infact, first in dental education and offer quality dentalcare throughout this state. That is still true today.I also remember when the Louisiana Board ofRegents gave the dental school a standing ovationat one of their meetings. After showing a videohighlighting the dental school’s mission and statewideimpact, one member commented that “All Louisianauniversities should emulate what the LSU School ofDentistry has accomplished.” It was definitely a highpoint in my career.The dental community has been extremelysupportive over the years. Because of the strongleadership and focused members of the LouisianaDental Association, legislators have been educatedabout the dental school’s statewide impact, whichenabled us to secure funding for some very importantefforts.Following Hurricane Katrina, dental companiesacross America and even from Canada rallied behindthe school, donating nearly $3 million in equipmentand materials to help establish a temporary dentalschool in Baton Rouge. And, 178 dentists from aroundthe state opened their doors to help students andresidents continue their clinical education and graduateon time. To those dentists, I owe a world of gratitude!Last March was another high point when ADEApresented the school with the William J. Gies Awardfor Outstanding Innovation to recognize our rebuildingefforts following Katrina. Being surrounded by thosewho helped to bring back the school at such a pivotalpoint in history was overwhelming and unforgettable.Since returning to New Orleans in August of2007, the progress continues. Operations are runningsmoothly. Our patient base is sound, reaching 10,530statewide and 3,286 in New Orleans alone. Studentapplications are also strong. Total applications for theD.D.S. program topped 250 in 2008, providing a wellqualifiedpool for the annual 60 freshman openings.Following the storm, LSUSD lost approximately30% and 60% of its faculty and staff, respectively.Since then, 18 full-time and 30 part-time faculty havebeen hired to address the shortage.The school continues to undergo significant repairsand renovations. The patient lobby and receptionareas on the first floor of the clinic building have beenrebuilt. The research infrastructure is making a strongcomeback with the refurbishing of the basic sciencelaboratories, and the teaching auditoriums will berenovated by the end of the year.I believe we are now positioned and ready for futuregrowth. It is a good time to bring in new leadership asthe school continues to rebuild.Again, I want to thank everyone for theirexceptional support and friendship over the years. Iam honored and grateful for the opportunity to haveserved as dean of Louisiana’s only dental school. I lookforward to working in my new position at LSU in theareas of community-based dentistry and various publichealth initiatives.www.ladental.org14 LDA Journal