Appointments, Faculty and Staff, Periodontology

Paquette to Join Stony Brook as Associate Dean

Dr. David Paquette, a faculty member of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry since 1994, has been named associate dean for education at the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, effective March 2010.

In his new role, he will direct and oversee the predoctoral and postdoctoral curricula, as well as continuing education. Specific initiatives will likely include leading the school’s major redesign of the predoctoral curriculum, coordinating expansion of the predoctoral class size, broadening community-based learning opportunities and helping to initiate new degree tracks and advanced education programs.

Paquette, professor of periodontology, has served as interim chairman of the School of Dentistry’s Department of Periodontology since March 2009. Dr. Steven Offenbacher, OraPharma distinguished professor of periodontal medicine and director of the Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases, will serve as interim chairman, effective Feb. 12, 2010.

Paquette also is graduate program director for periodontology and the School’s assistant dean for graduate/advanced dental education. Dr. Salvadore Nares, assistant professor of periodontology, will direct the department’s graduate program as of Feb. 12, 2010. Dr. Nadine Brodala, assistant professor of periodontology, will coordinate the clinical aspects of the residency program.

The assistant dean appointment will be announced at a later time, said Dean John N. Williams.

“We will miss Dr. Paquette’s important voice in all matters related to our periodontology and advanced education programs,” said Williams. “He has brought great distinction to the School of Dentistry through his leadership in research and education. In addition, he has provided excellent guidance in matters related to graduate and advanced dental education. Our community thanks him for his important contributions to his department and to the School’s academic program. We wish him continued success in his new expanded role in senior academic leadership.”

Paquette’s research focuses on clinical trials of novel interventions for periodontal disease, as well as possible links between periodontal disease and systemic health.

He was a fellow to the American Dental Education Association’s 2006-07 Leadership Institute. He currently chairs the Education Committee within the American Academy of Periodontology and was recently appointed an associate editor for the Journal of Periodontology.

“I am truly grateful to the UNC community for welcoming me 15 years ago and supporting my development,” Paquette said. “My experiences here have shaped my career as a professor and administrator. While I am ready for this next adventure at Stony Brook, Chapel Hill will always remain a special place for me and my family.”