Ann Arbor, MI — February 7, 2005 — Dr. Peter Polverini, dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry is announcing the appointment of Dr. Paul Krebsbach as the new chair of the School's Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences.

Krebsbach received his dental degree from the University of Minnesota in 1987 and a PhD in oral biology from the University of Connecticut in 1993. After a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, he was appointed to the School of Dentistry faculty in 1996 in the Department of Oral Medicine, Pathology, and Oncology. Krebsbach, who was promoted to associate professor of dentistry four years ago, also holds a joint appointment as associate professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering.

"The search process for a new chair was broad and thorough," Polverini said. "Paul emerged as the clear leader from a group of distinguished and experienced candidates." The appointment is effective March 1.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation’s leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.