Educational Philosophy

As the first dental school in the State of Arkansas, the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine embraces a distinctive charge: to prepare competent, compassionate dentists who advance oral health for all Arkansans while upholding the values of the Lyon College tradition. Rooted in Lyon’s mission as a selective, independent teaching and learning community, we cultivate intellectual rigor, ethical responsibility, and a spirit of service within a close-knit academic environment.
Lyon College

Anchored in the liberal-arts heritage of Lyon College, our program develops the whole professional—clinician, communicator, collaborator, and citizen. We emphasize clear and critical reasoning, precise and persuasive communication, and the habits of intellectual honesty and openness to reasoned discourse. These foundations equip our graduates to navigate scientific complexity, exercise sound clinical judgment, and lead with integrity across diverse practice settings.
Lyon College Course Catalog

Our educational model is student-centered and outcomes-driven. We blend evidence-based didactics, simulation, and early, progressive clinical experiences to build competence and confidence. Faculty mentorship, small-group learning, and formative feedback ensure each learner is known, supported, and challenged to excel. In alignment with Lyon College’s commitment to integrity, respect, and trust, we foster a culture of professionalism, well-being, and mutual accountability.
Lyon College

We are missioned to improve oral health across Arkansas—especially in rural and underserved communities—through community-engaged learning, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care. As Arkansas’s inaugural dental school, we accept the responsibility to broaden access to high-quality care and to graduate dentists who are prepared to meet the state’s critical workforce needs with competence, empathy, and leadership.
Lyon College
Arkansas Advocate

In all, the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine stands at the intersection of liberal-arts excellence and contemporary dental education—forming clinicians of skill and character who will elevate the health and well-being of the communities they serve.