The Office of Technology Services and Informatics (TSI) at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry serves as the central hub for technology, data, and information services across the school. The office ensures that students, faculty, and staff have the tools, support, and guidance necessary to excel in clinical care, education, research, and service. From patient care systems to classroom technologies, and from media and web services to data science and informatics, TSI drives innovation while maintaining seamless day-to-day operations.
TSI advances oral and overall health by ensuring that technology at the School of Dentistry is reliable, integrated, forward-thinking, and aligned with educational best practices and clinical excellence.
Key Responsibilities and Areas of Focus
TSI operates through five specialized groups, each serving distinct needs while collaborating to create a unified and innovative technology environment.
- Clinical IT
Clinical IT supports all systems and technologies related to the delivery of dental care. This includes maintaining electronic health record and practice management systems such as axiUm, EPIC, and MiPACS, as well as managing digital dentistry tools, imaging systems, and clinical hardware. The team ensures that providers and students have secure, reliable access to systems that enable high-quality patient care. - Educational Technology and Web Services
Educational Technology and Web Services oversees all systems that support teaching, learning, and academic administration. Platforms include Canvas, ExamSoft, Panopto, PollEverywhere, Top Hat, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, along with schoolwide AV infrastructure such as classroom projection, microphones, and synchronized clocks. The group also manages the School of Dentistry website and intranet, develops online and hybrid courses, and provides expertise in instructional design, educational research, and emerging technologies, including virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to empower faculty, staff, and students to use technology for effective and forward-looking education. - Media Production Services
Media Production Services delivers creative and professional design, photography, and printing solutions. From research posters and event programs to booklets, cards, and photography, this group supports communication, education, and outreach through high-quality visual and print media. - Library and Information Services
Library and Information Services provides access to a comprehensive digital dental library and offers expert research support. Faculty, staff, students, and residents utilize the library for specialized resources, literature searches, and information retrieval that enhance teaching, research, and clinical practice. The group ensures that information is current, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the dental school community. - Informatics
Informatics applies large datasets and advanced data models to improve oral health outcomes. Working in collaboration with researchers and clinicians, the team provides expertise in data collection, integration, analysis, visualization, and reporting. These efforts promote data-driven decision-making and support innovative research that enhances patient care and advances the field of dentistry.
Supporting the Mission
The Office of Technology Services and Informatics supports the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry mission to “improve human health by providing high-quality education, patient care, service, and research in oral health for Texas, the nation, and the world.”
By ensuring that technology functions as a strategic partner rather than a background system, TSI strengthens the school’s vision of “Improving Oral Health … Improving Overall Health.”
Strategic Contributions:
- Empowering clinicians and students with reliable, secure clinical systems that enhance patient care.
- Supporting educators and learners through innovative technologies and research tools.
- Providing faculty and staff with creative media, data, and information services that amplify impact.
- Advancing informatics and data science to drive improvements in oral health outcomes.
Shared Values
The Office of Technology Services and Informatics operates according to shared values that define its service culture:
- We commit to a service mentality.
- We are problem solvers.
- We are educators.
- We own mistakes and learn from them.
- We are transparent in our work and communication.
- We lead with optimism.
Through these values, TSI ensures that technology at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry remains a driver of excellence, innovation, and positive impact for the communities it serves.