A message from the Dean

Dean’s Welcome

For many people, the dog days of summer indicate a time of heat and lethargy. Well, we have the heat. But not much in the way of lethargy. After a wonderful graduation send-off to the class of ’26, your faculty and colleagues immediately began implementing several new initiatives, including rolling out digital dentistry across all four years of dental school. We have completed the renovation of the SimLab on the 3rd floor of the main campus, which provides an outstanding environment for preclinical digital education. We have ordered 3D printers and milling machines to further support these projects. These will be installed at the COHR and provide that “last mile” to fabricate digitally designed restorations and dentures. 

We also have new leadership. Scott Stafford, DDS, MBA, has assumed the role of Associate Dean for Corporate Relations, Alumni Engagement and Continuing Dental Education. Anibal Diogenes, DDS, PhD, has assumed the position of Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, while maintaining his position as Chair of Endodontics. Scott and Anibal are leading several new projects, and I will have more information in a later newsletter. With the upcoming retirements of Drs. Juanita Lozano-Pineda, DDS, MPH, and David Cochran, DDS, PhD, we are in the midst of leadership searches for these key positions.

July also marks the arrival of incoming resident classes and the rising DS3 students. It is a wonderful time to expand our family of new dental leaders poised to deliver the outstanding clinical care that is our hallmark. I am also back in the saddle, running “Root Camp” for our incoming endodontic residents. Our faculty understands that teaching is both a gift and a privilege, and helping to guide the professional growth of our students is a great source of pride and satisfaction.

So, for many of us, the dog days of summer bring the heat, with the intensity of starting a new academic year. The achievements of our faculty, staff, and students highlight our ongoing dedication to making lives and smiles better. Thank you for being part of our School’s legacy.

Wishing you all the best,

Ken Hargreaves, DDS, PhD

Dean of the School of Dentistry