Dean, Faculty of Dentistry

The Faculty of Dentistry is the first, largest, and most comprehensive dental school in Canada. The Faculty of Dentistry strives to improve health by advancing dental practice and dental science through inspired leadership, innovation, and excellence in education, research, and practice. The next Dean will be an exceptional scholar who will provide world-class leadership for the Faculty of Dentistry.

As the first dental school to be founded in Canada, U of T Dentistry has been a trailblazer in dental specialties and clinical innovations. Throughout its history, the Faculty has set a standard of innovation and excellence, pioneering many firsts in the quickly-evolving field of dentistry – and beyond. The Faculty is home to all of the specialty programs recognized by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCD), and the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). Its Anaesthesia, Dental Public Health, and Oral Radiology programs are the only programs in Canada specific to these areas of training. Additionally, the Faculty is one of the few dental schools in the world to boast exceptionally strong basic science research focused on oral health. For more information about the Faculty of Dentistry, visit http://www.dentistry.utoronto.ca

As a national and international leader in academic dentistry, the Dean will guide the Faculty in its efforts to build on its strengths in research, teaching, and clinical practice. The Dean will be a distinguished and respected scholar and creative leader, with outstanding achievements in the health sciences and education, and with an exemplary record as an administrator. The Dean will have in-depth knowledge of, and experience in, clinical practice, education, and research generally. They will understand and appreciate the complexities of a large, public, Canadian research university and the multifaceted workings of a health science facility and dental Faculty. The University of Toronto believes strongly in the value of inclusive excellence: the Dean must appreciate and nurture this in all aspects of their leadership. The Dean reports to the Vice-President and Provost and is a member of the University’s senior leadership team. The Dean sits on several senior tables, including the Principals and Deans Group and the Council of Health Sciences.

The successful candidate will possess an exemplary record of academic administration at a comparable research-intensive institution. This track record will include a successful background in quality student preparation, and in supporting high-impact research, developing partnerships to translate research into practice, and promoting optimal health for all society. The Dean will inspire intellectual curiosity and creativity. They will bring an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of disciplines within the Faculty. They will enhance the student experience, and maximize opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration among programs, units, and Faculties across U of T’s tri-campus system.

The appointment of the new Dean will be effective July 1, 2025, or as soon thereafter as mutually agreed. Applications should consist of a full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications and relevant achievements. The application should be accompanied by a cover letter of describing briefly how the applicant meets the candidate criteria, why they are interested in the appointment, and what they believe they bring to the role.

The Search Committee will begin considering potential candidates immediately and will continue until the position is successfully filled. Applications should include the letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant), and may be submitted in confidence, electronically, to Toks Weah, Special Projects Officer at [email protected].

The University of Toronto (U of T) is consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading institutions of higher learning. Located in the vibrant and diverse city of Toronto, U of T is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the world for teaching, research, and innovation by the Times Higher Education, and also leads in disciplinary excellence with top-ranked departments in fields ranging from neuroscience to geography to philosophy. The University of Toronto Libraries system is the largest academic library in Canada and is consistently ranked in the top ten among peer institutions in North America.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. In accordance with the AODA, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.