Programs Granted CODA Re-Accreditation

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM) programs have received national re-accreditation from the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) this month. At a meeting on February 2, the commission granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements to the school’s pre-doctoral program and four advanced specialty programs. This is the highest designation the commission grants.

CODA is the only accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for post-secondary dental and dental-related education programs. It oversees 66 accredited dental schools throughout the U.S., and re-assesses programs every seven years, with the exception of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which it reviews every five years.

The evaluation of CDM’s predoctoral and advanced education programs in endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics began with a comprehensive self-study process and documentation led by James Fine, DMD, senior associate dean for academic affairs. CODA representatives reviewed the self-study report before visiting campus from September 27-29. After a thorough examination of resources, curriculum, policies, and operational standards, CODA concluded that the school met standards for continuous quality and improvement of dental education programs.

 “Reaccreditation affirms the strengths of our programs and the direction of our school,” said Dean Christian S. Stohler, DMD, DrMedDent. “This outcome is the result of a tremendous team effort involving those across the school. As we celebrate CDM’s centennial anniversary, this process has helped us assess our strengths and areas for growth as we chart the course toward the future of dental medicine.”

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