The School of Dentistry is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Yun Saksena as the School’s first-ever Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
New Vice Dean for Academic & Student Affairs, Dr. Yun Saksena
Category: Leadership
Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Wednesday, Feb. 11, is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Established by the United Nations, the day of celebration is meant to recognize that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Dr. Alireza Sadr Named Director of Digital Dentistry
Dr. Alireza Sadr of the Department of Restorative Dentistry has been appointed as the first-ever UW School of Dentistry Director of Digital Dentistry and Innovation, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
School of Dentistry CODA site visit successfully completed
In November, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) visited the UW School of Dentistry for a site visit, which normally takes place once every seven years. After years of preparation, the six School programs evaluated will continue to be CODA-accredited.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack visits School of Dentistry, RIDE program
On Monday, Nov. 13, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack visited the University of Washington School of Dentistry where he took a tour of the facilities and hosted a Rural Health Discussion Panel.
Dr. Thomas Tanbonliong Selected as Graduate Program Director for Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Thomas Tanbonliong has been selected as the new Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Program Director, the Department announced last week. Dr. Tanbonliong brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position, coming to the UW from the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry.
UW names Dr. André Ritter new dean of dental school
Dr. André Ritter of the New York University College of Dentistry has been appointed as the new dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry, UW Provost Mark Richards announced Thursday. The appointment takes effect Sept. 16, pending approval by the UW Board of Regents.
School announces new research leadership roles
Dr. Doug Ramsay, Associate Dean for Research and Chair of the Department of Oral Health Sciences, will step down from both roles to take a sabbatical, spurring other leadership changes related to the School of Dentistry’s research mission.
School makes changes to leadership team
The School of Dentistry has revamped its executive leadership team, appointing one new associate dean and moving another into a new role, Dean Gary Chiodo has announced.
Dr. Travis Nelson named chair of Pediatric Dentistry
The University of Washington Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Dr. Travis Nelson to be chair of the School of Dentistry’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry, the school has announced.
UW removes ‘interim’ from Dean Chiodo’s title
Dr. Gary Chiodo, who became interim dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry in August 2018, will no longer be interim and will serve a full five-year term, UW Provost Mark Richards has announced. The appointment was confirmed by the UW Board of Regents this month.