Ann Arbor, MI — March 29, 2012 — A 14-member committee has been named to search for a successor to Dr. Peter Polverini as dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.  In January, Polverini announced he would not seek a third term as dean when his term expires in August 2013.

U-M Provost Phil Hanlon announced the committee — which includes tenure and clinical track faculty, staff, a student, and alumni — will be chaired by Dr. Jacques Nör, professor of dentistry, Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics; professor of biomedical engineering at the College of Engineering; and professor of otolaryngology at the School of Medicine.  Other members are:

• Dr. Erica Benavides, clinical assistant professor, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine.
• Dr. Carol Bradford, chair and professor of otolaryngology, U-M Medical School.
• Dr. Scott Conley, clinical associate professor, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.
• Dr. Joanne Dawley, alumna and past president, Michigan Dental Association (2008-2009).
• Dr. Ronald Heys, associate professor of dentistry, Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics.
• Dr. Jan Hu, professor, Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, and director of the Oral Health Sciences PhD program at the School of Dentistry.
• Dr. Yvonne Kapila, professor, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, and director of the School of Dentistry’s Global Oral Health Initiatives program.
• Emily Kennedy, D3, president, Dental Student Council.
• Dr. Charlotte Mistretta, associate dean for research and professor, Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences.
• Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, associate dean for academic affairs and clinical professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry.
• Dr. Martin Philbert, dean and professor of toxicology, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, U-M School of Public Health.
• Cheryl Quiney, patient care coordinator, School of Dentistry.
• Dr. Robert Schneider, resident in master’s degree program in endodontics and adjunct clinical lecturer, Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics.

Hanlon said he is asking the group “to conduct a broad search and present an unranked slate of recommended candidates” by the start of the Winter Term that begins January 7, 2013.  He added, “We look forward to the selection of a new dean who will seek to further enhance the School’s research, educational, and outreach activities.”