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. Ricardo Schwedhelm of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, who had been Associate Dean for Clinics, moves into a new role as Associate Dean for Infrastructure and Development. “This position is increasingly important as we strategically plan for continued renovation of our preclinical, clinical, and research facilities; begin use of the new Health Sciences Education Building; and work with the other health science deans and UW Facilities to plan for T-wing renovation,” Dean Chiodo said.
Dr. Schwedhelm will also play a central role as the school continues exhaustive preparations for re-accreditation by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, the dean said, and will continue to lead the school’s quality assessment and improvement efforts.
Dr. Natasha Flake, who is Predoctoral Director of Endodontics and Associate Director of the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education program, becomes Associate Dean for Predoctoral Clinical Education and Operations. In this capacity, she will assume many of the duties previously held by Dr. Schwedhelm. In addition, she will lead strategic development for predoctoral clinical programs and operations. She will oversee the Office of Clinical Services, donor and legislative outreach, and coordination with other UW units. She will also continue her duties with the Department of Endodontics, the school’s third-year predoctoral clinical clerkships, and the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education program.