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.
Dr. Wee takes over the position from Dr. Daniel Chan, who stepped down as department chair last Fall after holding the position for nine years. Dr. Wee will also hold the title of Washington Dental Service Endowed Chair in Dentistry, which was held by Dr. Chan.
“Dr. Wee is a renowned prosthodontist with significant clinical, research, patient care and administrative experience,” said Dean André Ritter. “I am delighted he has agreed to join our School, and I look forward to working with him and the entire faculty in the Department of Restorative Dentistry in continuing to advance the department’s goals.”
Dr. Wee is currently a Professor with tenure and Director of the Division of Prosthodontics, Department of Restorative Sciences at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Prior to his current position, he held many other academic appointments in several institutions, including The Ohio State University, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Creighton University.
As a researcher, along with publishing 111 peer-reviewed articles and 65 peer-reviewed abstracts, Dr. Wee has received over $2.6 million in funding as principal and co-investigator on various research grants. Two of his current leadership positions include being the President of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and an Honorary Treasurer for the International Academy of Oral and Facial Rehabilitation.
Dr. Wee earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the National University of Singapore before receiving a Certificate in Prosthodontics and a MS degree from the University of Iowa. He then earned a Certificate in Maxillofacial Prosthetics from the University of Pittsburgh and followed with a Certificate in Clinical Research and a master’s degree in public health from The Ohio State University. He rounded out his educational journey by completing his DDS from Creighton University in 2013 and earning his PhD from the University of Nebraska in 2014.
“I am grateful to the search and advisory committee for all their work recruiting Dr. Wee to our School, we are very fortunate to have him” said Dean Ritter. “I would also like to acknowledge everyone who participated in the search process by responding to surveys, providing feedback and interacting with the finalist candidates during the on-campus interviews.”
“I also want to thank Dr. Daniel Chan for his service as Department Chair,” said Dean Ritter. “Beyond being a Department Chair, Dr. Chan has also been a productive faculty member, teaching in clinics and preclinical courses, providing CE courses, and being productive in scholarship and service.”
Dr. Chan has been with the School of Dentistry since 2008, and led the restorative department through significant challenges during his tenure as chair, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Once Dr. Wee starts in the chair role, Dr. Chan is planning to remain as a faculty member.