Faculty
College Announces New Leadership and Key Roles Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
Nanay (Nan) Shadid, D.D.S., was named the new assistant dean of clinical affairs on Sept. 29, 2021. This announcement came shortly after the appointment of Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., was promoted to dean of the college. “I am honored and feel privileged to be the assistant dean of clinical affairs and take the responsibility seriously,” said Dr. Shadid. “By providing an excellent clinical education, we will in turn provide our patients the best possible treatment. I want to know my grandchildren or your grandchildren will to be able to receive excellent care from any graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.” Dr. Shadid graduated with a bachelor’s in biology from Oklahoma State University in 1982. She then went on to dental school, where she graduated from the college in 1985. Dr. Shadid and her husband, Dr. Scot Shadid, have worked alongside each other in their private practice and at the college. She first came to the college as a part-time clinical instructor in Operative Dentistry in 1985 and worked in pre-clinic and clinic. In 2013 she was awarded outstanding part-time faculty and in 2017 outstanding full-time faculty. “Dr. Shadid has a wealth of clinical knowledge and experience, both from her private practice and while serving as a Group Practice director, division head of Comprehensive Care, and chair of restorative sciences,” said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the college. “Her dedication and hard work has highlighted the impactful change in the area of comprehensive, patient-centered care. I am excited to continue to work with Dr. Shadid as we move toward the goal to fully integrate digital dentistry into our curriculum and continue to graduate excellent clinicians with a sound scientific knowledge base and a thirst for continuing education.”
Interim Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
On Jan. 3, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry announced Zachary Dacus, D.D.S., as the new interim assistant dean for student affairs. “Dr. Dacus has been an excellent mentor and teacher to the students,” said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the college. “He will continue to be engaged with students as their advisor and advocate to ensure they have the opportunities for a successful experience in their dental education.” Dr. Dacus attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he obtained his doctor of dental surgery degree in 2004. He joined the faculty at the OU College of Dentistry in 2015. “Dean Mullasseril asked me to fill a need within the Dean’s office,” said Dr. Dacus. “My current involvement in a variety of courses has given me an appreciation for the expectations placed on our students. I will do my best to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.” Dr. Dacus will continue to serve as division head of Operative Dentistry at the college and will work closely with Kevin Haney, D.D.S., assistant dean of academic affairs, for a smooth transition.
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Th e U n i v e r s i t y o f O k l a h o m a C o l l e g e o f D e n t i s t r y / 2 0 22 M a g a z i n e
