Chair, Department of General Dental Sciences

Marquette University, a private, coeducational, Catholic, Jesuit institution in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Chair of the Department of General Dental Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of dental education and clinical excellence within Wisconsin’s only dental school. In fulfilling its mission, the School is deeply committed to serving the local community and enhancing access to oral healthcare for underserved populations, reflecting Marquette’s Jesuit mission of social justice and care for the whole person. The Chair will lead a talented team of faculty and staff, oversee innovative curriculum and clinical programs, and advance research and community engagement. As a key member of the School of Dentistry’s leadership, the Chair will play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of dental professionals while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation.

Marquette University (Marquette) was founded in 1881 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and has grown to be a major private research university. The university community includes 11,746 students (68% of whom are undergraduates), 1,237 faculty, and 1,356 staff who believe in transformational education that embodies the Jesuit ideal of being “a person for and with others.” Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares students to thrive as agents of positive change. Marquette has achieved recognition for connecting academic excellence and service to others, which is intrinsic to a Jesuit education. The university continues to emphasize community engagement, with a significant portion of students participating in service-learning and outreach programs, reflecting Marquette’s mission of leadership and service.

The Marquette University School of Dentistry (MUSOD) values of healing, teaching and serving others have helped the school shape its dental education to one that is clinically focused, patient-centered, and committed to serving the community. Ranked 43rd in NIH funding for dental research by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research in 2024, MUSOD prides itself in incorporating research-based knowledge into the practice of dentistry. As the only dental school in Wisconsin, MUSOD has made a substantial impact on the public and economic health of the state, serving as a provider of oral health care to nearly 76,000 patients across Wisconsin and one of the state’s largest Medicaid and Medicare providers.

Working closely with the Dean, the incoming Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the School of Dentistry’s strategic vision, driving innovation in education, research, and clinical practice. The successful candidate will be an engaging and forward-thinking professional who combines strategic insight with a commitment to Marquette’s Jesuit mission of service and leadership. With the opportunity to shape curriculum, enhance clinical operations, and broaden the department’s influence both locally and nationally, the Chair will play a key role in sustaining and furthering Marquette’s recognized leadership in dental education and patient care. The Chair will successfully address the following opportunities and challenges:

• Provide visionary leadership to guide the Department of General Dental Sciences in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the School of Dentistry;
• Attract, mentor, and retain exceptional faculty while fostering a culture of professional growth and academic excellence;
• Drive innovation in a modern, evidence-based curriculum that ensures student success, well-being, and readiness for contemporary dental practice;
• Optimize and elevate clinical operations to deliver outstanding patient care and enhance the educational experience;
• Champion the department’s strategic initiatives through impactful research, collaborative partnerships, and strong external engagement.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process/until the position is filled. For more details, including the full position profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications, please see below. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Jay Torio and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Katheryne Martínez and Maria Peña.

Marquette University affirms its longstanding commitment to the principle of equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran’s status, or national origin. Marquette affirms its commitment to the principle of affirmative action and its commitment to abide by state regulations and federal laws pertaining to equal employment opportunity.