News

l to r: Drs. Frances Tompkins, Haider Al-Waeli, and Tanya Cook (Danny Abriel photos) 

There are two new faces among the associate deans and a new assistant dean of admissions role has been created.

At the beginning of July, Dr. Haider Al-Waeli stepped into the role of associate dean of academic affairs (ADA), taking over from Dr. Sachin Seth, who will serve as chair of Senate at Dalhousie for the next three years.

Completing the first year in their new roles are Dr. Frances Tompkins as associate dean of student affairs, and Dr. Tanya Cook in the newly created role of assistant dean of admissions. Tompkins took on the role from Dr. Ferne Kraglund, who stepped down from the position after 10 years.

Associate dean of academic affairs: Dr. Haider Al-Waeli
Although he still relatively new to the job, Al-Waeli is clear about his responsibilities. The main duties of the ADA, he says, are to make sure the academic policy of the Faculty and the university are applied, that the curriculum is up to date and ready for execution, and that the Faculty is prepared for its regular accreditations. He also firmly believes that part of his role is to build national and international relationships with other schools of dentistry and to enrich the existing partnerships we have already, such as with the International Medical University (IMU) in Malaysia.  

Technology and research are always having an impact on dentistry, and there are always advances in the teaching and learning tools, he says. "These can change depending on the generation of the students and the environment they come from, so you need to make sure you are reflecting these in the way you teach."

At the same time, fundamentals remain important, he says. "Our goal is to graduate safe, competent dentists, based on the competencies set out by the Canadian Faculties of Dentistry Association."

Associate dean of student affairs: Dr. Frances Tompkins
As associate dean of student affairs, Dr. Fran Tompkins works closely with the ADA, particularly when students face academic challenges and need help navigating the process.

"A lot of what I do is educating and directing students to resources and sources of support within the Faculty and Dalhousie," she says. Tompkins also helps students with non-academic matters, such as personal and financial concerns, and career planning and advice.

Tompkins admits that the dentistry and dental hygiene programs are intensive, and the hands-on skills do not come easily to everyone. There is also a lot of didactic information to learn and absorb compared to what students may have experienced during their undergrad years. 

She believes in sharing with the students the insights she gained from her own struggles at dental school. "I want them to know that, as a human, these things can and will happen, and here’s how you can move forward."

Assistant dean of admissions: Dr. Tanya Cook
In her newly created role, Dr. Tanya Cook’s main tasks are to ensure the recruitment of strong candidates for the Faculty of Dentistry’s programs and to create new pathways for Black and Indigenous students. These responsibilities previously fell under the associate dean of student affairs, but that role has grown, so it was decided to move admission duties to a separate portfolio.

Over the past year, Cook has been dealing with new Government of Nova Scotia requirements regarding university admissions, which involves prioritizing Nova Scotia students. She is also reviewing the Faculty’s admission requirements and prerequisites to ensure that they are still relevant.

Boosting admission, particularly for the dental hygiene program, is also a key priority. "I think the fact that the program has been turned from a diploma into a degree is a huge plus," says Cook. "We’ve been promoting the program at recent Dal recruitment events and I believe we have strong cohorts coming in for both the bachelor and the honours programs."

Al-Waeli, Tompkins, and Cook are all enthusiastic about their new roles and the opportunities they provide for working more closely with students, supporting them to achieve their goals and enjoy long-term careers in professions they continue to enjoy.