Meet the New Dean Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., became dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in September 2021, but his relationship with the college spans two decades. With the departure of the previous dean, Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S., Dr. Mullasseril was very interested in applying for the position. Still, the process began with much soul-searching and self-reflection, and his personal interrogatory explored a full range of personal and professional aspirations, motivations and capabilities. Originally from Mumbai, India, Dr. Mullasseril arrived in the United States in 1992, armed with little more than the dental degree earned at the University of Bombay. His target destination and immediate goals were the OU College of Dentistry 4
and post-doctoral training in maxillofacial prosthetics, which he completed in 1994. His interest in the OU College of Dentistry largely focused on the presence of noted scholars, teachers with national and international reputations, some of whom became his mentors. He cites individuals including Dean Johnson, D.D.S., chief of the graduate prosthodontic program; Herbert Shillingburg, D.D.S., worldrenowned for his textbook publications; Frank Wiebelt, D.D.S.; and Ram Nanda, D.D.S. “I cannot claim to be self-made,” said Dr. Mullasseril. “The guidance I received from experienced educators with proven expertise is invaluable.” After completing his post-doctoral training at OU, Dr. Mullasseril continued to broaden his skills and experience through fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
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
