UT San Antonio School of Dentistry announces Diane Sullivan as founding chair of the Department of Predoctoral Dental Education
The School of Dentistry at UT San Antonio recently announced the appointment of Diane J. Sullivan, DDS, as the founding chair of the newly established Department of Predoctoral Dental Education. The new department, one of the largest in the School of Dentistry, represents a significant step forward in advancing comprehensive dental education and training for the next generation of oral health leaders.
A new department with a clear mission
The creation of the Department of Predoctoral Dental Education marks a strategic milestone in the School of Dentistry’s commitment to excellence in dental education. The department comprises the four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, consisting of two preclinical and two clinical years, as well as the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, under one cohesive leadership structure, creating a home for DDS students and advanced general dentistry residents to grow as clinicians and leaders in oral health.
“This is a big step forward in training tomorrow’s leaders for clinical dentistry,” said Kenneth Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, dean of the School of Dentistry. “With this department, we’ve created a laser-beam focus on predoctoral dental education. Our DDS students have a defined home for their foundational learning along with clinical excellence and innovation.”
The new department with 54 faculty members and 56 staff members reflects the school’s commitment to providing a robust, well-supported educational experience.
Diane Sullivan: a leader in dental education
A Baylor College of Dentistry alumna, Sullivan brings more than two decades of teaching and leadership experience to her role as professor and inaugural chair of the Department of Predoctoral Dental Education.
Since joining the School of Dentistry in 2002, Sullivan has served in numerous leadership positions, including her most recent role as director of the Predoctoral Clinic Division within the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry. In that role, she strengthened clinical competency assessments, enhanced patient-centered education and fostered collaboration across the dental faculty. Her leadership as predoctoral program director has been instrumental in establishing the framework for the new department.
Sullivan is widely recognized for her teaching excellence, having received the UT San Antonio Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017 and being repeatedly elected as assistant marshal for Commencement Exercises. Her academic and professional contributions also include curriculum innovation, mentorship of junior faculty and authorship in dental education research, most recently on the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in dental education.
“Dr. Sullivan has a long-standing record of commitment to educational innovation, clinical excellence and student success,” said Hargreaves. “Her leadership will ensure that our predoctoral students and general dentistry residents receive unparalleled preparation to excel as clinicians, scientists and compassionate providers.”
Building a home for future dentists
“I am honored to be named the inaugural chair,” said Sullivan. “This department will provide a structured and supportive environment for our students and residents, while enhancing our ability to innovate across programs, and strengthening the focus on excellence in general dental education.”
The Department of Predoctoral Dental Education, led by Sullivan, stands as a cornerstone for the future of dental training at UT San Antonio, committed to producing the next generation of confident and compassionate clinicians.