For the first time the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry is listed among the top 20 dental schools in National Institutes of Health funding.
Ranked 20th out of the 55 dental colleges around the country, the College of Dentistry received $3.4 million in NIH research support during fiscal year 2003.
“This is the highest ranking our college has ever had,” said John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the College of Dentistry, which is based in Lincoln. “We are ranked above some very impressive dental schools, including the University of Pittsburgh (#22), Ohio State University (#23) and the University of Colorado (#27).
“Being on the cutting edge of science in the laboratory or clinic translates into a stronger education for our students. It also ensures that UNMC and the College of Dentistry are gaining national attention as a top-notch academic health sciences center.”
This kind of recognition also helps garner more research dollars and attract world-class scientists, said Jeffrey Payne, D.D.S., associate dean for research at the College of Dentistry. “This ranking facilitates our recruiting efforts since we have nationally recognized scientists working at the College of Dentistry with whom other researchers want to collaborate.”
For example, Margaret Wheelock, Ph.D., professor of oral biology, Keith Johnson, Ph.D., professor of oral biology, and James Wahl, Ph.D., assistant professor of oral biology, were recruited from the University of Toledo in 2001. “All three have played a significant role in the research growth at the College of Dentistry,” Dr. Payne said.
This milestone, he said, would not have been possible without the support of alumni and friends who have contributed financially to the research program. “Their generosity enabled us to build the Cruzan Center for Dental Research, which has helped recruit the faculty who have the training and expertise to receive significant extramural funding for their research,” Dr. Payne said.