Howard University

Howard University College of Dentistry is the dental school of Howard University, a private, federally chartered historically black university located in Washington, D.C. The college provides Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) education, advanced specialty training, and continuing education programs for dental professionals. It operates a clinical practice that delivers comprehensive oral health care to patients through its teaching clinics, serving a diverse population that includes underserved communities in the Washington metropolitan area. The institution also engages in biomedical and clinical research aimed at improving oral health outcomes and addressing health disparities. In addition to patient care and education, the college participates in community outreach initiatives that promote oral health awareness and preventive services.

As part of Howard University, the College of Dentistry benefits from the university’s status as a private, non‑profit institution with a historic mission to educate African American leaders and professionals. The school is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and adheres to federal and state regulations governing dental education and patient safety. Its distinguishing attributes include a focus on training dentists who are prepared to serve minority and low‑income populations, a competency that aligns with the university’s broader social justice orientation. Structural notes indicate that the College of Dentistry is a constituent school of Howard University, reporting to the university’s administration and governed by its Board of Trustees. The institution experienced a ransomware attack on September 3, 2021, which prompted a temporary network shutdown and disrupted certain services while cloud‑based applications remained operational. Recovery efforts emphasized securing sensitive data and restoring normal operations, with the investigation ongoing at the time of the report.