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School of Dental Medicine

From lab discoveries to public outreach initiatives, students, faculty, staff and alumni at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine prove their dedication to advancing oral health in Cleveland and around the world. Read the latest news that highlights the innovation, care and community impact at the heart of our efforts to advance clinical excellence and service across populations.

Recent News

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Dental staff member Sue Opsitnick passes away 
If you ever walked around Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine’s admitting or radiology clinics and heard someone say, “we can do it,” there’s a good chance that was Sue Opsitnick. A radiology technician who dedicated nearly two decades to Case Western Reserve University,…
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Launch of the Digital Dentistry Transformation Project
It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the launch of the Digital Dentistry Transformation Project at our institution, spearheaded under the visionary leadership of Dean Kenneth Chance. This initiative represents a transformative shift in the way we approach dental education and clinical…
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Dental visits increase with support from pediatric providers
Suchitra Nelson, PhD, associate dean for clinical and translational research in the Department of Community Dentistry, and her team at Case Western Reserve led a study funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) that trained primary care pediatric clinicians to…
Dr. Ilser Turkyilmaz
New Comprehensive Care Department Chair Announced
The School of Dental Medicine is very pleased to announce that Ilser Turkyilmaz, DMD, PhD, will serve as chair of the Department of Comprehensive Care and as associate dean for Digital Innovation. Dr. Ilser Turkyilmaz is an accomplished dental professional with a career defined by academic…
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Learn more about Kristin Williams, associate dean for Admissions and Student Affairs—and Diversity Executive Advisory Council Member
When Kristin Williams, associate dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at the School of Dental Medicine, reflects on her journey at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), her commitment to fostering diversity is closely woven through the story. Growing up in the community of Shaker Heights, she…
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Health Education Campus simulation spaces open house
Members of the Case Western Reserve University community are invited to an open house for the simulation spaces in the Health Education Campus Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. This is an opportunity to view the following simulation spaces: Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing’s…
Dean Chance speaking at a School of Dental Medicine event
Ohio Dental Association Interviews Dean Kenneth Chance
Dean Chance talks with the ODA Today about CWRU’s innovative Health Education Campus, community outreach initiatives to provide dental care throughout the community, and gives an update on the school’s research initiatives, student body and more. Q: It has been a few years now since the Case…
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Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine unveils $2.6 million Simulation Clinic upgrade
In 2024, the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine is set to revolutionize dental education with a $2.6 million investment to upgrade its Simulation Clinic located in the Samson Pavilion. The state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with the latest A-dec dental simulation…
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Dental medicine’s Rui Amaral Mendes co-authors study on use of mucositis assessment guidance
Rui Amaral Mendes, adjunct professor of oral and maxillofacial medicine and diagnostic sciences at the School of Dental Medicine, recently co-authored an article titled “Guidance on mucositis assessment from the MASCC Mucositis Study Group and ISOO: An International Delphi Study” published by…
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Dr. Jay Joseph: Celebrating 31 years as a preceptor—a new record
Dr. Jay Joseph (DEN '84), associate professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care, marks a significant milestone this year as he celebrates his 31st year as a preceptor at the School of Dental Medicine (SODM). A record achievement at the university, Dr. Joseph's commitment to education and…