News

Dr. Debora Matthews

Dr. Debora Matthews will take up a new role as the Faculty of Dentistry’s new assistant dean, academic, on July 1, 2016.

A recognized expert in the area of evidence-based dentistry, both nationally and internationally, Dr. Matthews is a professor in the Department of Dental Clinical Science division of periodontics and orofacial pain. She is currently the assistant dean, research, and director of the graduate periodontics program. She is also director of the Network for Canadian Oral Health Research.

“Chief academic officer is a big portfolio,” says Dr. Matthews, “and I am honoured to be offered this opportunity.”

She says there are many ‘to-dos’ on her list, the most immediate being curriculum renewal. “I plan to meet with as many people as possible to get a sense of where we are and where we need to be. This is an opportune time to pilot the plans for the renewed curriculum and ensure a smooth transition into our new facilities.”

In her new role, Dr. Matthews will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing the quality control of the Faculty of Dentistry’s academic curricula and also for ensuring that all students meet the requirements to qualify for licensure in Canada.

Dr. Tom Boran, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry says that Dr. Matthews has made a “significant impact” on dental education and research over the past 20 years. “She was instrumental in the planning and implementation of our graduate program in periodontics and her research file has been equally impressive. Her leadership in the area of population health/oral health has been equally outstanding.”

The current assistant dean, academic, Dr. Ronald Bannerman, has served in the role since 2008 and will retire at the end of his term. “I would like to thank Dr. Bannerman for his dedication and the personal touch he brought to the position of academic dean,” says Dr. Boran.