Dean, Faculty of Dentistry

Open Date April 19, 2023

Please note: this search will remain open until the position is filled.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean, Faculty of Dentistry.

The Faculty of Dentistry at UBC is at the forefront of dental education, with an outstanding reputation in advancing innovative oral health education and patient focused care, supported through progressive learning, ground-breaking research, and service-oriented community engagement. The Faculty is home to the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre, one of the world’s most technologically advanced dental clinics; a broad array of CDAC (Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada) undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, continuing education, and dental specialty assessment and training programs that incorporate digital dentistry and simulation; an impressive cadre of scholars investigating a broad range of oral health issues at the clinical and basic science levels; and, the Centre for High-Throughput Phenogenomics and the Patterson Dental Learning Centre, both of which facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations within and outside UBC. Through its deep focus on community engagement and partnerships, the Faculty is well-equipped to provide restorative, preventative, and emergency oral health services for the whole population and to respond to the evolving needs of society. For more information about Dentistry at UBC, visit www.dentistry.ubc.ca.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, and a member of the senior academic team, the new Dean will deepen the Faculty’s local, national, and international impact and reputation in dental education, research, and service to the greater community. The role represents a transformative leadership opportunity for a distinguished scholar and experienced administrator to build on the Faculty’s strengths and to pursue its strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate possesses either a DDS or DMD. In addition, a PhD is preferred. The new Dean will be a recognized expert in their field and have an exemplary record of scholarship consistent with appointment at the rank of Full Professor. First and foremost, the new Dean will be student-centered, with a deep passion for dental education and for excellence in patient care. The Dean will possess extensive experience in academic administration, including successfully managing human, financial, and physical infrastructure resources; a bold vision and expertise in advancing excellence in research, teaching, scholarship, and clinical practice; a solid track record in fundraising; and experience in building and strengthening alumni networks and community partnerships. They will bring a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigeneity; a consultative, inclusive, and collegial leadership style; a natural service orientation; excellent communication skills; and an open and transparent approach that earns trust and respect from all members of the Dentistry community.

The new Dean will take office in the summer of 2024 or, if possible, earlier during the 23/24 academic year. The Advisory Committee will begin consideration of candidates in late April 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations, applications, and expressions of interest should be submitted, in confidence, to Colleen Keenan or Krutika Hotwani at ubcdentistry@odgersberndtson.com.


For more information about UBC, visit www.ubc.ca.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. All applicants will be asked to complete a confidential equity survey.

Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). If you require accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Odgers Berndtson.

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