A message from the Dean

When I wrote you in the pages of this magazine last fall as your dean ad interim, I said that it was an honor – and indeed, it was. Now, a year later, I continue to be honored and humbled to have been selected to serve as dean of this great school. And I continue to be impressed by you, our school's alumni, and your many accomplishments – as well as the varied paths your careers have taken after leaving us.

Our school could not do what it does – would not be what it is – with you and the important contributions you make, from attending alumni events, to volunteering your time on behalf of the school, to supporting the school philanthropically, which is so vitally important. Your continued commitment to our community makes a critical difference in our ability to meet our mission.

This is an exciting time for GSDM: Our addition and renovation project is completed; COVID no longer controls our operations; and our educational, patient care, research, and service missions remain strong. So, the question to be asked is, “What’s next?” What is the vison that will guide our next chapter?

Towards that end, during this transition period, I have assessed where the school is, and actively listened to students, residents, staff, and faculty to understand fully our current strengths and also the challenges we will have in seizing new opportunities. The input of our alumni is crucial, and I am eager to learn more from all of you. The outcome of this will be the development of a new strategic plan for the school that is aligned to the strategic plan of the University. This process does take time, and I am hopeful to report back on the progress soon. For sure, I will be asking your help to make the school’s next chapter a reality.

In closing, thank you all, so much, for your continued support of our school. I look forward to seeing you at one of the alumni receptions we hold throughout the year – notably, Yankee Dental Congress, right here in Boston, from January 26-28, 2023! – and if you find yourself in Boston, please come visit us.

Cataldo W. Leone, DMD, DMedSc, FACD, FICD Dean and Spencer N. Frankl Professor in Dental Medicine