Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Cristiane Fonteles, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., was named Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry (UTHealth Houston SOD), effective Feb. 1, 2026.

Dr. Fonteles succeeds Nathanael Salako, B.D.S., M.Sc., who has commendably served as Interim Chair since Sept. 1, 2024.

Dr. Fonteles joined the UTHealth Houston SOD Department of Pediatric Dentistry faculty in 2024 and brings a distinguished record of academic leadership, scholarship and clinical excellence to this role. She earned her D.D.S. degree and Ph.D. in pharmacology from the Federal University of Ceará in Brazil and holds certificates in general dentistry and pediatric dentistry from University of Rochester Medical Center Eastman Institute for Oral Health in New York.

Her academic career has been defined by a strong commitment to evidence-based pediatric oral health care, translational research and the education of future dental professionals. Prior to joining UTHealth Houston SOD, she held faculty appointments at the University of Fortaleza in Brazil, Indiana University School of Dentistry and multiple academic and leadership roles at her alma mater, the Federal University of Ceará.

Internationally recognized for her research in dental caries, fluoride therapy and saliva-based diagnostics and craniofacial syndromes, Dr. Fonteles has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Her work has been supported by competitive funding and has contributed meaningfully to advances in preventive and clinical pediatric dentistry. Equally important, she is an experienced educator and mentor, known for fostering collaboration, innovation and academic rigor within multidisciplinary teams.

Courtesy of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry