Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University
Shaping the Future of Dental Education
The Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University (HPU) is redefining the way we think about oral health, education, and patient care. As the first private dental school to open in North Carolina in over a century, this bold initiative embodies innovation, vision, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. By integrating cutting-edge technology with a holistic approach to learning, HPU has crafted a dental school experience that nurtures not only exceptional clinicians but also compassionate leaders in healthcare.
A New Era of Dental Medicine
Founded with a clear mission to advance both dental practice and community wellness, the Workman School of Dental Medicine represents more than just another professional program. It is the realization of HPU’s broader goal to create a hub where healthcare disciplines intersect. By focusing on interprofessional collaboration, the school ensures that its graduates are prepared to thrive in a healthcare environment shaped by rapid technological, social, and scientific changes.
The school’s establishment reflects the university’s long-term vision of creating innovation-driven academic programs. From its architecture to its curriculum design, the Workman School is purpose-built to empower students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to address today’s dental health challenges while anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities.
World-Class Facilities
At the heart of the Workman School are its advanced teaching and clinical facilities. Students gain access to some of the most sophisticated technology available in dental education. Key resources include:
- State-of-the-art simulation labs equipped with digital technology to replicate real-world dental procedures.
- Comprehensive digital dentistry tools giving students firsthand experience with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies.
- Advanced 3D imaging and scanning systems providing a deeper understanding of oral anatomy and modern treatment planning.
- Community-based clinics allowing students to serve patients while building confidence and sharpening clinical decision-making.
These facilities don’t just train students in technical skills—they are designed to foster critical thinking, teamwork, and a patient-first mindset. The result is a generation of dental professionals who are both technically skilled and profoundly empathetic.
Curriculum Designed for Tomorrow
The curriculum at High Point University’s Workman School of Dental Medicine is intentionally modern and forward-looking. Traditional dental education has often focused on technical competencies, but today’s oral healthcare professionals need far more. This program is guided by four pillars:
- Clinical Excellence: Building mastery of dental skills through rigorous training in world-class labs and patient clinics.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships with other healthcare students to provide holistic patient care.
- Leadership Development: Empowering dental students to take active roles as thought leaders and advocates for public health.
- Innovation and Technology: Infusing digital dentistry, AI-driven diagnostics, and research-focused learning into the student experience.
By embracing a forward-thinking model, the school ensures its graduates are not just ready for their first day of practice, but prepared to lead and innovate throughout their careers.
A Vision of Service and Community Impact
The Workman School of Dental Medicine is rooted in community engagement. North Carolina, like many states, faces shortages of oral healthcare providers—especially in rural areas. By training students in community clinics and encouraging service, HPU places emphasis on improving access to care. The school’s mission extends beyond its campus, focusing on real human needs and delivering practical solutions to underserved populations.
High Point University’s investment in dental education aims to improve oral health outcomes across the state while building a sustainable model for national progress in dental medicine.
— High Point University Announcement
This ongoing commitment demonstrates how education, when built on values of compassion and responsibility, can directly transform communities.
Guided by Exceptional Leadership
The school’s impact is greatly enhanced by its leadership and faculty. Under the guidance of experienced dental educators and clinical experts, HPU has assembled a team dedicated to shaping student success. Leadership at the Workman School emphasizes mentorship, innovation in teaching, and instilling an entrepreneurial spirit. This combination inspires students not just to practice dentistry, but to think as innovators, scholars, and advocates for better care.
Preparing Dental Leaders for a Changing World
The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly. From breakthroughs in digital imaging and artificial intelligence to changing expectations around personalized medical care, dentists must be adaptable and resilient. The Workman School of Dental Medicine is addressing this need head-on, equipping students with knowledge and habits that will allow them to remain agile problem-solvers throughout their careers.
Graduates from HPU’s program won’t simply be considered strong clinicians—they will emerge as leaders, ready to influence public health policies, embrace new treatment technologies, and build practices centered on patient trust and lasting impact.
The Spirit of the Workman School
At its core, the Workman School reflects the values of High Point University: service, leadership, and purposeful innovation. It asks its students not only to strive for academic and professional success but also to consider the deeper meaning of their work. Oral health is profoundly tied to human dignity, confidence, and wellbeing. By emphasizing character alongside competency, HPU is producing dental professionals who understand the human dimension of medicine.
An Investment in the Future
HPU’s bold investment in the Workman School of Dental Medicine is not just about launching a dental program—it is about investing in the future of healthcare. For students, it offers an incredible opportunity to learn in an environment that is unmatched in vision and resources. For the state of North Carolina and beyond, it means improved access to dental care, more research in oral health, and a new pipeline of leaders ready to shape tomorrow’s profession.
Why This Matters to You
At the end of the day, dentistry is about people—about families, confidence, and the ability to thrive in everyday life. The Workman School reminds us of the value of creating strong daily habits, whether in oral hygiene, education, or professional growth. Just as good oral health begins with simple daily actions, a fulfilling career and purposeful life are built on consistent positive habits.
If you are inspired by the way education and healthcare intersect to build powerful futures, you may also find value in exploring how personal transformation begins with intentional habits. To learn more about building disciplines that change your life, check out my book The Habit Method. Discover how you can cultivate consistent practices that allow you to grow, serve, and lead in every area of your life. Begin your journey here.
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