The OHSU School of Dentistry welcomes a number of new faculty members this month. According to Dean Phillip Marucha, D.M.D., Ph.D., the dental school has received funding from the provost’s office to increase dental faculty, with the goal of having a six-to-one student-to-faculty ratio on the predoctoral clinic floor.
“Our faculty needs are very important right now,” said Dr. Marucha. “We want to take care of the full- and part-time faculty we have currently, by rewarding them for their hard work and ensuring they have the training and development they need, as well as bringing on new faculty to ensure excellent patient care and education.”
Please help us welcome the following individuals:
Joseph V. Califano, D.D.S., Ph.D., is a professor of periodontology. Dr. Califano received his doctor of dental science and a doctoral degree in microbiology/immunology, from Virginia Commonwealth University. Most recently, he was professor and director in the division of periodontology at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, and professor of periodontics and director of post-graduate periodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry.
Mary Pat Califano, B.S.N., M.B.A., is an instructor in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Mary Pat received her bachelor of science in nursing from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Averett University. Previously, she was quality assurance coordinator at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, and clinical nurse specialist in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry.
Anna Forsyth, D.D.S., M.S.D., is an assistant professor in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Forsyth received her doctor of dental surgery from the University of Washington in 2006, and after a general practice residency in Washington, D.C., returned to Seattle for a master of science in dentistry and a certificate in pediatric dentistry. Most recently, Dr. Forsyth has been in private practice at Hi5 Dental and Capitol Group Smilekeepers, as well as a visiting adjunct professor at Pacific University School of Dental Health Science.
Shawneen Gonzalez, D.D.S., M.S., is director of radiology. Dr. Gonzalez received her doctor of dental surgery from the University of Washington, a master’s degree in stomatology from University of Iowa Graduate College, and a certificate of oral and maxillofacial radiology from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Most recently, Dr. Gonzalez has been assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial radiology, directing the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry.
Nicole Kimmes, D.D.S., is assistant dean for faculty development and technology. Dr. Kimmes received her doctor of dental surgery from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 2001, where most recently she was associate professor and director of dental informatics. Dr. Kimmes also has directed Creighton’s oral and maxillofacial imaging center, and been in private practice.
David Lambert, D.D.S., is an assistant professor in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Lambert received his doctor of dental surgery from the University of North Carolina. He has been on faculty at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry since 1991, and most recently was an adjunct professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Justin Merritt, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the department of restorative dentistry. Dr. Merritt completed his graduate studies and doctoral degree at the Molecular Biology Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. Most recently, Dr. Merritt has been associate professor in the department of microbiology and immunology in the College of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Merritt’s research focuses on the mechanisms used by signal transduction systems to control various virulence properties of several bacterial pathogens associated with tooth decay.
William Moore, D.M.D., Pediatric Dentistry, `14, is a new assistant professor of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Moore just completed a two-year pediatric residency at OHSU. He received his doctor of dental medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.