Dr. Leon Assael Named Dean of University of Minnesota's School of Dentistry

Leon A. Assael, D.M.D., C.M.M., Region VI Regent to the ACOMS Board of Regents, has been named dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Assael is scheduled to start in his new role on August 1.

Dr. Assael was selected in part due to his deep range of experience, an outstanding reputation, and a compelling vision for the future of dentistry and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Dr. Assael has an accomplished reputation in research, surgery and teaching, as well as previous experience as a dean. 

Dr. Assael is a graduate of Columbia University and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Harvard University, School of Dental Medicine, as well as a Certificate in Medical Management from the University of Kentucky, Gatton School of Business. He completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Assael served as dean to the College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky until 2003, when he was appointed professor and chairman of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the School of Dentistry at Oregon Health & Science University.

He is the past editor-in-chief of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the past chairman of the Council on Dental Education and Licensure of the American Dental Association, and a diplomate to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Assael’s primary clinical interest is in the area of facial injuries, facial pain and maxillofacial nerve injuries, and he is a nationally known lecturer on a variety of issues.