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Mark Wolff, D.D.S., Ph.D. |
The reappointment of Mark Wolff, D.D.S., Ph.D., as dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Penn Dental Medicine) follows a comprehensive review of the major accomplishments of his first term as dean, including new mission and vision statement for the school, new
programs and interdisciplinary centers and advancing an inclusive learning environment.
Dr. Wolff has been reappointed dean of the
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine through June 30, 2030, subject to approval of the Board of Trustees.
The announcement was made by
Interim President J. Larry Jameson and
Provost John L. Jackson, Jr.
The reappointment follows a comprehensive review of the major accomplishments of Dr. Wolff’s first term as dean, along with an assessment of the new challenges and strategic opportunities the school may face over the next five years, especially in support of the objectives
articulated in the university’s new strategic framework,
In Principle and Practice.
“Provost Jackson and I are delighted that Dean Wolff will continue his exemplary leadership of Penn Dental,” said Interim President Jameson. “The consultative committee unanimously supported his reappointment and highlighted his many accomplishments that have dramatically advanced the
work of the dental school while also providing recommendations to further strengthen the school going forward. He has been an exceptional advocate for our university and has worked tirelessly with colleagues across campus to increase the stature and impact of Penn.”
The reappointment review committee cited specific accomplishments of Dr. Wolff’s first term across a wide range of areas, including:
- Creating a powerful new mission and vision statement for the school focused on core values of legacy, empowerment, aspiration, discovery and social consciousness;
- Launching new programs in advanced dental studies, oral health sciences and advanced education in general dentistry, which trains dental residents to provide care to medically complex patients and persons with disabilities;
- Expanding the scope of clinical education, including state-of-the-art programs in digital and implant dentistry;
- Developing four new interdisciplinary centers that have distinguished the school in bringing together accessibility, cutting-edge research, community engagement and global visibility;
- Doubling research funding in the first five years of his tenure and expanded licensing of innovative products based on faculty research, including 24 new patents;
- Increasing both the size and diversity of the faculty while furthering career development pathways for clinical faculty members;
- Improving and expanding clinical facilities, which serve community members across our region, including the
Care Center for Persons with Disabilities;
- Completing a highly successful reaccreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which recommended no needed areas of improvement in any of the Penn Dental Medicine programs it reviewed; and
- Advancing an inclusive environment where, in the words of the school’s new vision statement, “each individual in our diverse community is valued, respected and empowered,” and confronting important issues of racism, sexual harassment and Islamophobia; and chairing the
University Task Force on Antisemitism, which published its recommendations in May.
At its next meeting, the Board of Trustees will receive a resolution to reappoint Dr. Wolff.
Courtesy of University of Pennsylvania School
of Dental Medicine
Published on
September 11, 2024