There are a lot of good things about Halloween, but all those treats can be tricky – especially when it comes to dental health and the potential for cavities.
5 tips for healthy smiles this Halloween
Category: News
Leaders Visit New RIDE Oral Health Training Center
UW President Robert Jones and Gonzaga University President Katia Passerini joined elected officials in Spokane to tour the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE’s) new 13,000-square-foot space that includes a dental simulation lab, digital dentistry lab, wet lab, dispensary, classrooms and administrative offices.
Remembering Long-time Faculty Member Jack Nicholls
Revered, long-time faculty member, Dr. Jack Nicholls, passed away earlier this summer (July 2, 2025) at the age of 93.
Priyanka Prajapati Expands Oral Health Care Around the World
Priyanka Prajapati, a student in the UWSOD’s UWIDDS program, has done a tremendous job using interprofessional collaboration to help improve access to oral health care for underserved populations, winning a national award along the way.
WDIA Has Washington Dentists Covered
As a student at the UW School of Dentistry, you were likely much more focused on your oral health training than on the risks that could affect your ability to practice or earn a living.
UW School of Dentistry Faculty Promotions – 2025
Each year, many UW School of Dentistry faculty are recognized for their hard work and efforts put towards advancing the mission of the School and their own careers.
UWSOD Begins Partnership with King County Adult Dental Program
UWSOD has received a grant of nearly $175,000 from the King County Adult Dental Program to help serve uninsured and underinsured community members with necessary dental treatment, starting this summer.
Remembering Dr. David Turpin
Dr. David Turpin—who served as a part-time affiliate professor in the UW Department of Orthodontics for an extraordinary 48 years—passed away peacefully on May 29, at the age of 87.
UWSOD Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Inducts New Members
The UWSOD’s Sigma Sigma chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) recently inducted new members and recognized other honorees.
Dr. Ivy F. Lin Earns 2025 Husky Sustainability Award
Dr. Ivy F. Lin, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) and the faculty leader of the UW School of Dentistry’s Climate Action Sustainability Team (CAST), has been recognized with a 2025 Husky Sustainability Award.
Remembering Dr. Joseph Chasteen
Dr. Joseph Chasteen, a beloved former faculty member and leader at the School, passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Dr. Chasteen’s career in dentistry and education spanned decades and left a lasting impact on every institution he served.
Shoreline to Montlake: Fueling dental hygiene training at UW
The Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene Program (SCCDHP) has found its home on the UW School of Dentistry campus. Thanks to Shoreline, UWSOD alumni and corporate partners, that home has grown a little bigger.
Celine Atkinson Named 2025 School of Dentistry Magnuson Scholar
Celine Atkinson, a second-year student in the Oral Health Sciences PhD program, has been named the School of Dentistry’s 2025-26 Magnuson Scholar.
Juno Proves Strength in Numbers Can Ease Dental Student Loans
It’s no secret that a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree is the most expensive in the country. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median tuition and fees for dental school in 2024 are $58,580.
UW Student National Dental Association Delivers on a Community
The UW’s Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter has been hard at work since its inception just over two years ago. SNDA promotes, supports and aids the academic and social environment of minority dental students.
Mhary De Francia and Nathan Dahm selected as Husky 100
UW School of Dentistry students Mhary De Francia (‘25) and Nathan Dahm (‘26) have each been named to the 2025 cohort of the UW’s Husky 100, the university announced.
Dr. Donald Chi named as one of five UW AAAS Fellows
The UW School of Dentistry’s Associate Dean for Research Dr. Donald Chi was one of five UW researchers to be named an American Association of the Advancement of Sciences Fellow, according to a March 27 announcement.
UW ADEA Chapter Receives National Recognition
Over the last three years, the UW American Dental Education Association (ADEA) chapter has put in a tremendous amount of work to grow and make an impact at the district and national levels.
Belonging at the School of Dentistry
The School of Dentistry strives to be a place where all students, staff, faculty, alumni and patients are seen, heard and valued, as well as safe and supported. In short, the School wants everyone to feel they belong here. But what does that truly mean?
Soon, Elmorr each take first place at Research Day 2025
Lay Soon and Elissa Elmorr each took first place in the Graduate Trainee and Dental Predoctoral Oral Presentation competitions respectively at the 2025 School of Dentistry Research Day on Wednesday.
Dr. Donald Chi wins PECASE award
Dr. Donald Chi, the UWSOD’s Associate Dean for Research, has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from outgoing US President Joe Biden. This prestigious award, also known as PECASE, is among the highest given by the US Government.
School of Dentistry alum brings dental staffing company to Seattle
UW School of Dentistry alumnus Dr. Chris Lewandowski (‘97) came across a recurring problem at his practice in the early 2000s – a lack of dependability from temporary staffing agencies.
Nakanishi Dental Labs Continues Synergetic Relationship with UWSOD
Nakanishi Dental Laboratory has been a purveyor of state-of-the-art dental technology and manufacturing for close to three-quarters of a century. In that time they’ve been a continuous supporter of dental education in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
UW, MSU researchers help connect genetic variant to cleft palate phenomenon
A cohort of UW researchers from UWSOD and ISCRM assisted in the discovery of the genetic variant that helps explain Finland’s high frequency and geographic distribution of cleft palate.
Dr. Sara Gordon to step down from Academic Affairs leadership
Dr. Sara C. Gordon will step down from her position as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the School of Dentistry on Dec. 15, after more than a decade in the role. She will retain her appointment as Professor in the Department of Oral Medicine.
School to establish new oral healthcare training center in Spokane
The School of Dentistry and Emerald Initiative (an affiliate of McKinstry) have signed a lease for space in the University of Washington-Gonzaga University Health Partnership’s 840 Building in Spokane, Wash.
Dr. Robin Reinke Establishes Endowed Scholarship
UW School of Dentistry alum Dr. Robin Reinke (‘90) has committed a $250,000 gift to the School to establish an endowed scholarship fund for students with diverse experiential backgrounds who plan to practice general dentistry.
Providing Pathways to Promising Futures: the Office of Educational Partnerships
The UWSOD’s Office of Educational Partnerships (OEP) is working to make sure that students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, become exposed to opportunities in oral health during the early years of their education.
Collaborative Advanced General Dentistry Program Under Development
The UWSOD and UWSOM are announcing a new collaborative initiative, joining forces to embark on development of an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program.
Dr. Shayan Niaki honored as the 2024 Wands Fellow
Dr. Shayan Niaki, a second-year prosthodontics resident, has been selected as the 16th recipient of the David H. Wands Fellowship in Graduate Prosthodontics.
School of Dentistry Students Lead Participation in 2024 National AGD Meeting
Last month, eight UW School of Dentistry students traveled to Minneapolis, MN to participate in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) national meeting and e-Poster competitions.
Longtime Chair of Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Peter Domoto Passes Away at 86
Dr. Peter Domoto, who served as a UW School of Dentistry faculty member for many years as a Professor and as the Chair of the UW Department of Pediatric Dentistry for more than a quarter of a century, passed away at the end of June.
Combating climate change in the dental field: The UWSOD Climate Action Sustainability Team
The UW School of Dentistry CAST, a student-led group made up of faculty and students, has a mission to integrate sustainability within the School and dental profession.
School of Dentistry creates endowed scholarship for disadvantaged students
Thanks to the ongoing support of Dr. Alex Narváez (‘82) and his wife Dr. Norma Zavala (UW Psychology ‘80) as champions of diversity and creating opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the School of Dentistry has established the Sea Mar Community Health Centers-Narváez/Zavala Family Endowed Scholarship in Dentistry.
Department of Orthodontics to establish Dr. Roy Gunsolus Endowed Research Fund
The Roy Gunsolus Endowed Research Acceleration Fund in Orthodontics has been established in honor of the late Dr. Roy Gunsolus by his wife, Barbara Gunsolus.
Drs. Randall, Holtzmann take home research awards at AAPD 2024
At the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Annual Session in Toronto, held from May 23 – 26, two UW School of Dentistry members took home prestigious awards.
Dr. Austin Gaal spreads cleft care expertise, treatment at home and abroad
UW Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) residents are lining up to follow Dr. Austin Gaal on his outreach trips to Bolivia, and beyond, to treat children with cleft lip and palate.
Remembering three longtime faculty of the UW School of Dentistry
Three retired members of the UW School of Dentistry faculty sadly passed away recently. Drs. Chuck Bolender, Lars Hollender and Dan Middaugh were all longtime faculty whose impacts are still being felt on the school.
Former Director of Radiology Dr. Lars Hollender passes away at age of 90
Dr. Lars Hollender, who was internationally renowned for his work in maxillofacial imaging, and was considered one of the best diagnostic oral and maxillofacial radiologists in the world, recently passed away at the age of 90.
All-around School of Dentistry pioneer Dr. Dan Middaugh passes away
Dr. Dan Middaugh, a giant in the School of Dentistry’s history whose accomplishments and impact on the School and the dental community at-large are many and far-reaching, passed away on May 5, 2024.
Longtime chair of Prosthodontics Dr. Chuck Bolender passes away
Dr. Chuck Bolender, who had a long and distinguished career in prosthodontics and made a lasting impact on the UW School of Dentistry and the dental profession, passed away on April 30, 2024.
Dr. Claire Mills selected as 2024-25 Magnuson Scholar
Dr. Claire Mills, one of six students in the dual degree DDS/PhD program, has been selected as the UW School of Dentistry’s Magnuson Scholar for the 2024-25 academic year. Award recipients are chosen based on academic performance and research potential.
UW School of Dentistry has significant turnout for March dental conferences in New Orleans
Third-year student Teddy Dong takes third place in national research competition
Last month, third-year student Teddy Dong received third place in the Dentsply Sirona AADOCR Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) Clinical Science/Public Health Research category.
Min Lin wins ADEA national scholarship award for preventive dentistry
At the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session & Exhibition, which took place from March 9-12 in New Orleans, LA, third-year student Min Lin was selected from a national pool of applicants as one of 12 students to receive the ADEA/Haleon Preventive Dentistry Scholarship.
UW rural dentistry program helping to fill vital need across Washington
School of Dentistry to double number of RIDE graduates, meeting demand in small and underserved communities. Story by: Jackson Holtz // Video by: Kiyomi Taguchi // Photos by: Dennis Wise
Generous gift leads to Eugene Natkin Endowed Professorship
The UW School of Dentistry and the Department of Endodontics are proud to announce the establishment of the Eugene Natkin Endowed Professorship in Endodontics. This professorship was made possible by a generous $500,000 gift from Dr. Natkin’s wife, Marylee Natkin.
Dr. Thomas Dodson appointed as first-ever Worthington Chair
The Philip Worthington Endowed Lectureship in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) was established in 2003 by generous alumni and friends from the Department of OMS to honor the life and career of Dr. Philip Worthington, who served as the OMS Department Chair from 1977 to 1998.
Graduate and Predoctoral students shine at Research Day 2024
Dr. Claire Mills and Sydney Kim each took first place in the Graduate Trainee and Dental Predoctoral Oral Presentation competitions respectively at the School of Dentistry Research Day this past Wednesday.
UW periodontal study receives FDA approval for anti-aging drug use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dr. Jonathan An from the UW Department of Oral Health Sciences to lead the first-ever study to evaluate rapamycin in older adults with periodontal disease.
Dr. Alvin Wee to take over as Chair of Restorative Department
Dr. Alvin Wee of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry has been appointed as the new Chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Professor within the department, effective July 16.
Dental student Jennifer Tang receives Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award
Fourth-year dental student Jennifer Tang has been selected as the School of Dentistry’s 2024 recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award.
The School of Dentistry’s Strategic Plan is here!
Advancing Oral Health for All, is an ambitious and bold plan that looks directly and optimistically to the future, building on the outstanding accomplishments of our history, in addition to the new knowledge of today.
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.
UW periodontal researchers discover mirrored shift in oral microbiome caused by inflammation
A team of UW researchers have made a discovery that inflammation in one area of the mouth can cause a shift in the body’s immune responses in other healthy parts of the mouth, subsequently resulting in a shift in the microbiome.
Learning on location: dental students provide care, boost skills during service trip to Jamacia
Last month, students from the University of Washington School of Dentistry were able to take part in an impactful volunteer outreach trip, sending 28 dental students to Jamaica to treat over 700 patients in need.
Third-year student Teddy Dong wins AAOMS Presentation Award
Third-year student Teddy Dong received the 2023 Oral Abstract Scientific Presentation Award at the 105th American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) annual meeting held last month in San Diego, California. Dong, a predoctoral student, won the award while competing against residents.
Rothwell Award Winners for 2022 and 2023 honored at Faculty Retreat
On Tuesday, Sep. 26, at the annual all-faculty retreat, four UW School of Dentistry faculty members were presented with the Bruce R. Rothwell Teaching Awards, the School of Dentistry’s highest faculty honor. Recipients of the 2022 and 2023 awards were both honored at the retreat.
SURF: Enhancing Research Skills for a Comprehensive Dental Career
The Summer Research Fellowship program, commonly known as SURF, is the School of Dentistry’s gateway research opportunity for predoctoral students. Over the past 25 years, the program has connected students interested in developing research skills with the School’s strongest research faculty members.
Dr. Ludovic de Carle honored as the 2023 Wands Fellow
Dr. Ludovic de Carle, a second-year prosthodontics resident, is the 15th recipient of the David H. Wands Fellowship in Graduate Prosthodontics at the UW School of Dentistry. This fellowship is one of the School’s top academic awards, encouraging recipients to devote part of their time teaching prosthodontics upon completion of the three-year residency.
UW-developed dental lozenge could provide permanent treatment for tooth sensitivity
By Alden Woods, UW News
Over 30 years of dentistry, Sami Dogan has treated just about every kind of tooth ailment. Cavities are simple to fill. Dental implants have become routine. But there’s one problem, he said, that annoys even the most experienced dentists: hypersensitivity, the painful sensation sparked by contact with hot, cold or acidic food.
Dr. Beatrice Gandara to retire from School of Dentistry
2019 Washington State Dental Association Citizen of the Year, Dr. Beatrice Gandara, has announced she will retire at the end of June, capping off 40 years of positive impact and leadership within the UW School of Dentistry and surrounding community.
Dr. Alice Ko named Magnuson Scholar
Dr. Alice Ko, a general dentist pursuing a PhD degree in dental public health at the School of Dentistry, has been selected as the School’s Magnuson Scholar for the 2023-24 academic year.
Dental student Jennifer Tang named to Husky 100
Jennifer Tang, a third-year student at the UW School of Dentistry, has been named to the 2023 cohort of the University of Washington’s Husky 100, the university announced.
Why do some parents reject fluoride for their kids? Study has answers
Why are some parents reluctant to let their child receive fluoride treatments from a dental provider? A new study, led by Dr. Donald Chi of the Department of Oral Health Sciences, has some answers.
School maintains high standing in global rankings
The UW School of Dentistry continued to maintain a place among the world’s leading dental schools in the annual rankings released Wednesday by Britain’s Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) educational organization.
Behavioral and social scientists extend efforts to support oral health
Dr. Cameron Randall of the University of Washington School of Dentistry and his colleague, Dr. Daniel McNeil of the University of Florida, are continuing to illuminate the ways in which multidisciplinary research can benefit oral health.
Research Day returns to in-person format, hosts national dental research leader
Dr. Philip Walczak and Teddy Dong took first place in the Graduate Trainee and Summer Research Fellowship (SURF) Oral Presentation competition respectively this year at the School of Dentistry’s first in-person Research Day since the pandemic began.
School mourns former Dean Paul Robertson
The University of Washington School of Dentistry community has noted with great sadness the passing of Dr. Paul Robertson, who served as Dean from 1992 to 2001, on Dec. 24 at his home on Camano Island. He was 82.
Dental alums invent safer lining for implant channels
Two School of Dentistry alumni have created the first medical-grade screw channel barrier material for dental implants. Frustrated by the lack of a dedicated material, Dr. Alexander Shor (Graduate Prosthodontics Class of 2001) and Dr. Jim Janakievski (Graduate Periodontics Class of 2004) created their award-winning product FirstPlug®.
Dr. Dolphine Oda to retire from faculty
Dr. Dolphine Oda, one of the UW School of Dentistry’s most acclaimed and respected teachers in the course of her 37 years on the faculty, has announced that she will retire at the end of this calendar year. Dr. Oda is Professor of Oral Pathology in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and director of the UW’s Oral Pathology Biopsy Service.
Keep your toothbrush from becoming a petri dish
Did you know you should always replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick? Otherwise, you can reinfect yourself with the same germs. It’s also important to regularly change your toothbrush every two months.
Dr. Daniel Chan to step down from Restorative Dentistry department chair
Dr. Daniel Chan, who since 2015 has chaired the School of Dentistry’s largest department, Restorative Dentistry, has announced that he will step down from that post on Nov. 1, 2023. He will remain on the department faculty as a tenured professor.
Fluoride use was consequence of flawed nutritional guidelines, researcher says
Prominent organizations including the World Health Organization and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have dismissed low-carbohydrate diets that prevent tooth decay in favor of recommending high-carbohydrate diets which rely on fluoride and food fortification to mitigate dental damage and nutritional shortcomings, a University of Washington researcher says.
UW dental alumna Dr. Linda Edgar becomes ADA president-elect
Dr. Linda Edgar, one of the School of Dentistry’s most prominent alumni, was chosen Tuesday to be president-elect of the American Dental Association (ADA). She will be the first UW dental graduate to hold the organization’s presidency when she assumes that office in 2023.
School mourns Dr. Philip Worthington, longtime chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dr. Philip Worthington, who led the School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) to new heights and garnered worldwide acclaim during his two-decade tenure as department chair, died on Aug. 13 in Kirkland, Wash. He was 93.
Dr. Marwan Fattouhi named Wands Fellow
Dr. Marwan Fattouhi, a second-year resident, has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the David H. Wands Fellowship in Graduate Prosthodontics at the UW 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.
UW student receives leadership award named for pioneering dental educator
Awa Seck, a fourth-year School of Dentistry student, has received one of the inaugural Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford Student Leadership Awards.
Dr. Philip Walczak named Magnuson Scholar
Dr. Philip Walczak, a first-year PhD candidate in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral Health Sciences, has been named the school’s Magnuson Scholar for 2022-23.
School continues strong showing in global rankings
The University of Washington School of Dentistry continues to maintain a strong position in the global dental school rankings issued by Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS), a British educational institution.
New acid-detecting tool can predict cavities
In a new study, School of Dentistry and other University of Washington researchers have developed a tool that can measure acidity levels of plaque on teeth, which can predict dental caries, or tooth decay.
Research takes spotlight at school’s annual event
Dr. Rachel Kehr and Deborah Lee took first place in the Graduate Student Research Competition and Dental Student Research Competition respectively at this year’s School of Dentistry virtual Research Day.
Social and behavioral scientists join forces for oral health
A large group of behavioral and social scientists, led by Dr. Cameron L. Randall of the University of Washington and Dr. Daniel W. McNeil of West Virginia University, are on a mission to throw the combined weight of their disciplines behind the effort to improve oral health globally.
The art of orthodontics: Dental students’ sculptures show their creative side
As they have done since 1966, first-year residents in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Orthodontics created wire sculptures for the department’s annual exhibition.
Dr. Thomas Dodson named editor of oral surgery journal
The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS) has named Dr. Thomas Dodson as its new Editor-in-Chief, effective Jan. 1.
Dental hygiene challenge grant campaign hits target
Buoyed by a flurry of December donations, the School of Dentistry’s campaign to match a challenge grant to support the Shoreline Community College dental hygiene program at its new UW home has reached its goal, officials have announced.
Staff member Chelsea Stone to be honored during Martin Luther King Jr. tribute
Chelsea Stone from the Office of Educational Partnerships and Diversity has been selected as the UW School of Dentistry’s recipient of the 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.
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.
Dean adds fund-raising twist to dental hygiene campaign: a grant within a grant
Dean Gary Chiodo of the University of Washington School of Dentistry has come up with a novel fund-raising twist to support dental hygiene training at the school: a challenge grant within a challenge grant.
School to co-host virtual global conference on ethics
An international conference on ethics, co-hosted by the UW School of Dentistry, will discuss issues in medicine and related fields, including clinical trials and animal experiments, on Nov. 13-14.
Former dean wins ADA Gold Medal for research
Dr. Martha Somerman, who was dean of the School of Dentistry from 2002 to 2011, has become the first woman to win the American Dental Association’s Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research.
Dean Chiodo announces plans to step down
Citing health-related reasons, Dean Gary Chiodo has announced his intention to resign next year. Dean Chiodo, who came to the School of Dentistry a little more than three years ago, will continue to lead the school for the next 12 months as a national search begins for a new dean, University of Washington Provost Mark Richards said.
UW researchers reveal new aspects of gum disease and body’s protective response
A team led by University of Washington researchers has, for the first time, identified and classified how different people respond to the accumulation of dental plaque, the sticky biofilm that gathers on teeth.
Once again, school’s commencement has different look
Although substantial progress has been made in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the University of Washington had to rule out live graduation exercises and other large gatherings this month. However, the School of Dentistry, as it did last year, came up with a creative solution.
Student puts young tribal members on path to realize career dreams
This spring, Lindsey Montileaux Mabbutt celebrated two graduations: her own from the UW School of Dentistry and that of 10 students from her Dreamstarter program.
Symposium to examine dentistry’s post-pandemic future
Dentistry has made dramatic strides in the last generation, thanks to advances in materials and technology. More change is certain to come, but the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the form this change will take.