The School of Dental Medicine at Tufts, located in the downtown medical campus, is a world-renowned place for interdisciplinary research and education on dental medicine and science. The School does not feature food systems work in its mission, vision, and values, however there are some activities that have to do loosely with food systems.
One academic department, the Department of Public Health and Community Service, includes the programs Community-Based Oral Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Community Service Learning Externships, and Health Communication, Education, and Promotion. These departments include education on oral health in global, vulnerable, and aging populations. While not directly related to food systems, oral health is tied to nutrition and overall health, which are derivatives of food systems.
Another department, the Department of Comprehensive Care focuses on educating dental students to be part of the broader care team of a person’s overall health, including their nutrition. As food is increasingly being viewed as part of a person’s medical care, this department fits into food systems.
If you know of any food systems work going on at the School of Dental Medicine that you think should be included here, please let us know!