DEAN, HARVARD SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE

Dean, Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Boston, MA

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean. This critically important senior leadership position requires a dynamic individual with experience in, and a comprehensive understanding of, the multiple missions of the school: education; research; and patient care, and the numerous challenges facing academic health centers. Today, the mission of HSDM is to develop and foster a community of global leaders dedicated to improving human health by integrating dentistry and medicine at the forefront of education, research, and patient care. Its vision is to transform dentistry by removing the distinction between oral and systemic health.

Recognized as an international leader in dental education, HSDM succeeds in its mission of developing and fostering a community of global leaders advancing oral and systemic health by the strength of its academic programs. The collaborative environment within the School, throughout the Longwood Medical Area, and across Harvard University, stimulates well-prepared students to commence their journey to leadership roles in dental education, clinical practice, and research. The innovative curricula offer varied opportunities to work in mentored relationships with faculty who value their role as educators of the next generation of professionals in dental medicine. HSDM provides students an intellectual experience that reflects the biological underpinnings of oral and systemic health, the value of research, and the importance of clinical study. 

HSDM is the only school at Harvard that offers direct patient care. The Dental Center welcomes more than 25,000 patients for over 57,000 dental visits every year. In a unique educational model founded upon the belief that oral health and primary care are interchangeable, HSDM predoctoral (DMD) students study clinical medicine with Harvard medical students and then pursue additional years of intensive, interdisciplinary clinical science education at HSDM and affiliated sites. Advanced graduate students, who work toward a doctor of medical sciences (DMSc) or master of medical sciences (MMSc) degree and/or a specialty certificate, also draw upon the richness of the educational facilities and research institutes of the broader Harvard community and Greater Boston area. HSDM graduates make their mark in prevention, discovery, and practice as they work to improve the health and well-being of local and global populations. The Dean will lead faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders to implement and enhance the current strategic plan that supports the Harvard Dental Center. 

The Dean of the HSDM reports to and works collaboratively with the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. As the chief academic and administrative officer of the school, the new Dean will have the opportunity to advance programs, transform clinical care, and further cement the School’s reputation as a renowned leader in research and dental education. The successful candidate will possess an MD, DMD, PhD or equivalent degree, with credentials warranting appointment as a full, tenured professor. The next Dean will bring substantial experience in research, education, and clinical care, as well as a demonstrated record of strong managerial, financial and fundraising skills in a large, complex organization. An assiduous commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all programs and at all levels for faculty, students, trainees, and staff is mandatory.

Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, has been retained to support the search committee in this effort. The search committee will review candidates beginning immediately and continue until the position has been filled, with a preferred start date of January 1, 2020. Nominations and applications (CV and cover letter) should be submitted online at www.imsearch.com/7076

Harvard University shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.