TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. To train for, develop and implement research in the prevention, detection and care of infectious diseases that are manifested in the oral cavity.
2. To apply relevant findings from research projects, including but not limited to those conducted by WHO Collaborating Center Steering Committee members with the goal of effecting changes in the learning/teaching of oral health care and in oral health education as it relates to oral infectious diseases and infection control.
3. To strengthen the role of oral /other health care professionals and auxiliary workers in the prevention, detection and care of oral infectious diseases consistent with country guidelines.
4. To develop collaborations with oral/other health care providers in countries with limited resources i.e. share educational materials on the prevention, detection and management of oral infectious diseases and infection control.
5. To become a resource center for the development of international guidelines/standards of oral health care of individuals affected by infectious diseases and of infection control.
6. To mobilize educational resources from donors to recipient educational institutions.
7. To organize meetings, be available for consultations and to initiate strategic planning for international conferences on access to oral health care.
8. To respond to requests for expertise in oral infectious disease prevention, detection, oral care and education of oral health professionals and auxiliary workers.
9. To expand linkages and exchanges for students and faculty with other institutions around the world.
10. To raise funds from government, foundations and other private sources to facilitate implementation of above goals.
    
    
    Background

The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine is a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Oral Infectious Diseases: Education, Research and Care. The vision for such a center grew out of the increasing number of requests from faculty and practitioners of dental institutions from within and outside the United States for training in the oral care of individuals with infectious diseases, primarily HIV. Among its aims are to train for, develop and implement research in the prevention, detection and care of infectious diseases that are manifested in the oral cavity. Its activities will include education of oral and other health care providers in the management of patients with oral infectious diseases, related basic science and clinical research, and research in the prevention, detection and care of oral infectious diseases.

The School of Dental Medicine is fully equipped in personnel expertise, educational and clinical resources, and physical facilities to implement the terms of reference for the Center. The Office of International Relations, the school unit that acts as the WHO Collaborating Center, conducts active exchange programs and networks with various dental schools and institutions in the Americas, Asia and Pacific, Europe and Africa. Different departments within the School conduct various basic science and clinical research. Education and training programs are offered to oral and other health care providers in the care of patients with oral manifestations of infectious diseases through the school clinical facilities, notably the Infectious Disease Clinic. Faculty and staff in the Center's Steering Committee possess expertise that could be shared globally through educational and training programs or through meetings, conferences or consultations.

Of all the WHO Collaborating Centers worldwide, the Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine is the only center that is dedicated to oral infectious diseases. It is uniquely positioned to deliver the needed service, education and research which could benefit oral and other health care providers in their race against the spread of HIV and in their care of individuals who are afflicted with the disease.

The Center will play a strategic role in the accomplishment of the Pan American Health Organization's goals for oral health in the region. Noteworthy among these are those that concern oral health policy development in information, education and communications programs to address the burden of oral diseases including HIV/AIDS as well as goals for human resource development for oral health.

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