7 minute read
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 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.
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.
Dr. Mullasseril joined the College of Dentistry faculty in the Department of Removable Prosthetics in 1998. He directed the department until 2008, when he accepted a position at Eastern Washington University, Spokane. While there, he successfully established a new master’s program in dental hygiene.
In 2011, he returned to Oklahoma, a place that felt more like home, where his leadership roles and responsibilities with the College of Dentistry began to multiply. • He was named chair of the Department of
Restorative Dentistry in 2012. • In 2012, he was also appointed director of the faculty practice dental clinic. • In 2015, he was named assistant dean for clinical and preclinical education under
Dr. Cohlmia’s leadership. • He currently holds the Connie and Herbert
T. Shillingburg, D.D.S., Professorship of Fixed
Prosthodontics.
Dr. Mullasseril has extensive leadership experience in numerous professional organizations, and his list of awards and accolades is impressive. He is valued as a consultant and key opinion leader in fields associated with the dental profession and is a noted expert in the areas of removable prosthetics and implant dentistry. This depth of expertise keeps him in demand as a national and international presenter of continuing education topics.
Dr. Mullasseril became a permanent resident as he worked in the United States, and joined the U.S. Army following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The path to full citizenship was a five-year journey he pursued with determination. From a pool of 300 candidates, Dr. Mullasseril was chosen to speak at an Army swearing-in ceremony, sharing his compelling story as an immigrant and Army reservist. His military service further fueled his passion for underserved patient populations, specifically U.S. veterans. The recent launch of the college’s Veterans Day clinics, two to date, were driven by Dr. Mullasseril’s commitment to see veterans’ benefits expanded and enhanced.
Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S. Dean, The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
Dr. Mullasseril is not only a leader for the college, but also a family man. His wife, Dr. Anaita Mullasseril, D.D.S., is an orthodontist and sole practitioner in a successful practice she established 10 years ago in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Their daughter is a medical student at the OU College of Medicine, and their son is pursuing a degree in computer science at Rice University in Houston.
With a passion for travel, one of the family’s beloved traditions is to visit one national park each year. A bit closer to home, you’ll often find Dr. Mullasseril on a tennis court in his free time. The OU College of Dentistry has earned a reputation for excellence in dental education that fully prepares exceptional graduates for successful clinical practice. Dr. Mullasseril has outlined ambitious goals for the college under his term as dean. His comprehensive plan, Vision 2026, identifies nine specific targets for improved dental health in Oklahoma. Under this plan, the college will: • Become the leader in dental health care in the state • Lead the nation in the use of advanced technology • Make customer service top priority • Become the regional leader in dental continuing education • Recruit the most capable students across the country • Create a model for effective faculty development and retention • Leverage philanthropic opportunities for renovation and expansion • Promote diversity, equity and inclusion • Accelerate clinical research
Dr. Mullasseril is deeply concerned that a significant percentage of Oklahoma residents, both children and adults, have high incidents of dental decay, tooth loss and gum disease, which is strongly linked to the absence of regular preventive oral health care. A range of initiatives, including the expansion of clinical sites and externships, aim to boost annual patient visits to the college up to 60,000. As the college expands its clinical presence to the Schusterman Center in Tulsa, more patients will have access to affordable dental care and educational programs that promote good oral health.
Dr. Mullasseril has played a key role in developing strategic partnerships to increase access to dental care. The presence of infectious diseases and the risk of potential infection are universal concerns that make it critically important for certain patients to seek dental treatment. Mitigation efforts include
coordination of care with the college for HIVpositive patients through the infectious disease program at OU Health. Poor oral health also may compromise heart patients who need heart valve procedures, effectively limiting care options for patients who can’t afford dental care. The college has worked to arrange for funding through the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation to help these patients. Similarly, oral health deficits must be addressed in patients with head and neck cancers before treatment can begin. The college has partnered with the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation to provide care for 50,000 cancer patients.
Technology is inextricably woven into every international culture. In dentistry, the use of technology crossed the boundaries of radiology and imaging long ago. “Digital technology is an essential element of care,” said Dr. Mullasseril. “In the clinical practice, we should see 60 to 80% of patients receiving care that incorporates digital technologies and processes in the next five years. The education we provide must prepare our students for that level of real-word, modern practice.” Dr. Mullasseril also notes that technology that integrates mobile apps and electronic health records will play an important role to draw the next generation of dental professionals to the college.
While dental care is a necessary investment to support good health in the long term, Dr. Mullasseril is sensitive to the fact that care may be complex and costly. Every interaction reinforces a patient’s expectations positively or negatively. “It’s not unreasonable for a patient to want a flawless product and timely treatment. When these are delivered with the utmost kindness and compassion, it’s a win for everybody, and training focused on the patient experience is the foundation to achieve these outcomes.” Already, there’s forward motion to support increased clinical research within the college. The faculty practice will be relocated to an environment more conducive to state-of-the-art dental practice. In addition, four chairs for clinical research have been established as a means to encourage faculty members toward increased research activity. “As a clinically oriented school providing exceptional care, it makes sense to translate those strengths into intensified clinical research.”
The college will celebrate a milestone this year – its 50th anniversary. Dr. Mullasseril acknowledged the impressive successes, advances and accomplishments, but understands the imperative for achievement in the next half century. “We’re systematically reviewing our metrics to inform our strategies in education, patient care, outreach and research. We use this information not just for external promotion, but to drive the vision we hold for the future.”
Dr. Mullasseril brings a sense of focused enthusiasm to the office of the dean. “There is vast potential here. We are compelled by mission and vision to seize every opportunity to excel.”
