Administrative affairs

March 8, 2012

Joel Berg selected as dean of UW School of Dentistry

Joel Berg, professor of pediatric dentistry in the University of Washington School of Dentistry and acknowledged as one of the worlds leading pediatric dentists, has been selected as the school’s next dean, effective Aug. 15, Provost Ana Mari Cauce announced today (March 8).

“Joel Berg is one of the nation’s leaders in dental education and research, and we are fortunate to have him here already at the University of Washington to assume this important leadership position in our School of Dentistry” said Cauce.  “You look for someone at the top of his game for positions like this, and I’m just delighted that Joel is here and ready to take this on. I look forward to working with him in the years to come.”

Berg came to the UW in 2003 as professor and chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University. Berg received a D.D.S. degree in 1983, a certificate in pediatric dentistry in 1985 and a master’s degree in oral biology in 1985, all from the University of Iowa. Before joining the UW, he also served on dental faculty at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Texas.

Berg also has significant experience working in industry. He worked as a clinical research consultant at IONOS-America from 1992 to 1995, becoming vice president of research and development in 1995. He was executive vice president for research and clinical affairs at ESPE America Inc. from 1995 to 2000, and from 2000 to 2003 he was vice president for clinical affairs at Phillips Oral Healthcare Corp.

He has received numerous honors and awards. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists, as well as a board director of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. He is also the president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Berg has authored or co-authored more than a hundred abstracts, articles and chapters, and is co-editor of a textbook on early childhood oral health. His present research includes innovative new technologies for early caries detection.

Since 1945, the University of Washington School of Dentistry has been attracting leaders in oral health care science from around the world. As the leading educator of dental professionals in the Pacific Northwest, the school has trained thousands of oral health care providers practicing in Washington. The school seeks to educate a progressive oral health workforce, develop community collaborations and bring advances in science to address the pressing oral health needs of the state, the nation and the world.

Bergs annual salary will be $318,000.