Community dentistry and behavioral science Vision & Mission
Welcome to the Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science!
Our vision is to be a global leader in dental public health, advanced education in general dentistry, behavioral and social oral health sciences, community service, pain research, and oral health inequities.
Our mission is to provide innovative dental education and deliver the highest degree of patient and community-centered care and service, while promoting excellence in research to promote discovery and knowledge generation about oral health, pain and health inequities, including behavioral and social factors, with strong commitments to community engagement, diversity and inclusion.
DepartmenT of Community dentistry and behavioral science
community dentistry and behavioral science
Our Diversity is Our Strength!
With a wide array of service, research, teaching and training activities, the College of Dentistry's Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science proudly serves a variety of communities and contributes to scientific and clinical advances in oral health and related areas of health and well-being.
areas of FOCUS
community dentistry and Behavioral science
Community-Based Programs
The Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science aims to enhance access to oral healthcare of those in our state by providing dental services for individuals at high risk for dental disease in school and community settings.
community dentistry and behavioral science
Education
Our educational mission is to broaden students’ understanding of the multifaceted impact of behavioral, social, economic, and cultural dynamics on health throughout all stages of life, with a focus on oral health, healthcare access, and the utilization of health services. Our instructional approach reflects our unwavering dedication to heighten students’ awareness of how culture profoundly shapes health and overall well-being.
community dentistry and behavioral science
Research
Through our research, we strive to integrate behavioral, social, economic, and cultural factors into interdisciplinary multi-level studies of health. Our diverse research portfolio encompasses a wide range of experimental, epidemiological, health services, artificial intelligence, and clinical investigations.
our research centers
Community dentistry and behavioral science
Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE)
PRICE is a multi-college Center of Excellence that serves as the professional home for UF scientists, clinicians and trainees dedicated to improved understanding and treatment of pain. PRICE is affiliated with, and supported by, the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute.
community dentistry and behavioral science
Southeast Center for Research to Reduce Disparities in Oral Health (SCRRDOH)
The SCRRDOH aims to reduce disparities in oral health among Florida’s rural populations through research and intervention projects based on the best science available and community participation with our many collaborations across the University of Florida Compus.
Make a gift to support CDBS programs
your support makes a difference
Help Us Make an Impact
Making a gift to the College of Dentistry's Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science programs goes a long way to support the mission of the department, and our extensive community outreach program, as we focus on dental public health and the behavioral and social sciences in dentistry.
CDBS In the news
Reflections from a Community Dentist
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Dr. Olga Ensz reflects on her observations as director of community-based outreach.
AIDPH Recognizes Naples Dentistry Outreach
The American Institute of Dental Public Health recognized the Naples Dental Outreach team for outstanding commitment and efforts.
Trajectories of Opioid Prescribing
Tumader Khouja is the lead author for an article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
