Longtime professor, alumnus Dale Baur named interim dean of CWRU School of Dental Medicine

As Case Western Reserve University continues the search for the next permanent leader of its School of Dental Medicine, Vice Dean Dale Baur, DDS (DEN ’80), has been named interim dean, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

“I am grateful to Dale for his willingness to formally lead the dental school as we continue our search not only for the highest-caliber dean, but also someone whose vision and values best align with our school and its future,” said President Eric W. Kaler. “Dale’s immense knowledge as an alumnus, a faculty member and, most recently, an administrator will provide the school with steady, dedicated leadership in this time of transition.”

Following graduation from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 1980, Baur completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) training and then a two-year head and neck surgery fellowship at University of Michigan. After 24 years of service in the U.S. Army—including time leading the OMFS residency program at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia—Baur retired as a colonel.

He returned to Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2007 as a faculty member. Throughout his nearly 20 years on the faculty, Baur has served in a variety of positions, including full professor, associate dean of graduate studies and chair of the OMFS department. Baur played a pivotal role in forging an affiliation agreement with MetroHealth Medical Center in 2017. A year later, Dean Kenneth B. Chance, DDS (DEN ’79), named Baur vice dean, tapping him to assist in management of all aspects of the school—both clinical and academic.

“Dale’s breadth of experience across the dental school’s robust education and clinical activities positions him as an ideal leader in this transition,” said Provost Joy K. Ward. “I look forward to working with Dale as we continue to strengthen the academic, research and community-engagement opportunities for which the School of Dental Medicine is known.”

In February, the university announced Chance would step down as dean Dec. 31; a national search followed but did not yet yield a candidate. The national search will continue in the new year.

“I am honored to serve as interim dean of my longtime employer and my alma mater,” Baur said. “The opportunity to help stabilize the school in a time of change—not only at our school but across higher education—is an exceptional chance to give back, a value that has guided me at every point in my career.”