Ann Arbor, MI — May 16, 2005 — Dr. Jan Hu will become the new director of pediatric dentistry when the current director, Dr. Lloyd (Bud) Straffon steps down as director on June 30 and as clinical professor on August 31. Dr. Sunil Kapila, chair of the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, made the announcement.

"With her exceptional research and teaching credentials, I am certain Dr. Hu will lead the pediatric dentistry section of our department to even greater heights," Kapila said. "I look forward to working closely with her to continue building on our already strong clinical and academic programs and to further develop our department's research."

Education Background
Hu received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from National Taiwan University in 1985. Three years later, she received a specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry from USC and, in 1990, a PhD in craniofacial biology from the same school.

Following her training, Hu was a postdoctoral fellow in craniofacial molecular biology and a clinical assistant professor at USC. In 1993, she joined the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Six years later, she was named an associate professor with tenure.

She came to the U-M School of Dentistry in 2002 as an associate professor with tenure.

Research Interests and Service
Hu's research focuses on the regulation of tooth formation and genetic mutations associated with dental structures. Her clinical interests are in the area of craniofacial anomalies and special patient care among pediatric dental patients.

In addition to her research and teaching, Hu holds several positions in professional societies, including the Science Affairs Committee of the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, and on two editorial boards, the Journal of Dental Research and the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry. Hu is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society.

This spring, Hu received one of the nation's most prestigious awards for dental research, the Gies Award, for the best paper published in the Journal of Dental Research.

Straffon said he and his wife plan to continue to live in the Ann Arbor area, but may venture to a warmer climate during the winter months. Some travel, both in the U.S. and overseas may also take place, including trips to the Denver area to visit their two sons.

Kapila praised Straffon for his years of service to the School of Dentistry. "I want to thank Dr. Straffon for his 37 years of selfless service, dedication, and contributions to our department and the dental school," Kapila said.

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.