Faculty Promotions

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.

Division Head of Dental Biomaterials

Fernando Luis Esteban Florez, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., was named the division head of Dental Biomaterials in the Department of Restorative Sciences on Aug. 5, 2021.

The college’s Division of Dental Biomaterials in the Department of Restorative Sciences is a key piece to introduce new dental materials that help oral health care advance. Dr. Esteban Florez came to the college as a postdoctoral fellow and later became an assistant professor. Sharukh Khajotia, B.D.S., M.S., PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation had been serving as interim division head over the last several years.

“We are excited about Dr. Esteban Florez’s achievements and involvement in curriculum, education, teaching, and campus integration and what he will bring to the college in this position,“ said Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S., former dean of the college. “I know that Drs. Khajotia and Esteban Florez will continue to work diligently to move the division and the college into a progressive and nationally recognized research arena.”

AEGD Interim Director

Mary Hamburg, D.D.S., M.S., is a 2008 graduate of the college, where she also received her periodontal and implant specialty training. She has served the Oklahoma City metro area as a board-certified periodontitis for 10 years.

Dr. Hamburg was an assistant clinical professor in the college’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program for three years before becoming the interim director in 2021. “I always wanted to be passionate about what I do plus make someone’s day better. Dentistry has given me the opportunity to passionately help people,” said Dr. Hamburg. “I did not realize that teaching would become part of that passion. By becoming the interim director in AEGD, I am so thankful that I am able to teach and guide future dentist into the career that I am passionate about while improving the quality of life for the people in Oklahoma.”

She is a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association Board of Trustees, currently serving as editor for the ODA Journal. She has also served as an executive board member of the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists and is a member of the American Association of Women Dentists. She lives in Norman, Oklahoma, with her husband, Dustin, and their boys: Daxton (9) and Caden (6).

Director of Predoctoral Periodontics

Tracey Whitley, D.D.M., M.S., attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, for her dental training, earning her doctorate in dental medicine in 2014. She returned to Oklahoma City, completing her periodontal residency and master of science degree in periodontics at the college in 2017. During her time in residency, Dr. Whitley was selected to participate in the national Straumann Resident Symposium and conducted research evaluating gene regulation and the genetic component to periodontal disease.

During this time, she also went into private practice as a periodontist for three years. During which, she also served as a part-time clinical instructor in periodontics for the college. In 2020, Dr. Whitley transitioned to the college full time, pursuing her passion for education and to share her love of periodontics with the dental students. Currently, Dr. Whitley is a clinical assistant professor at the college and serves as the new director of pre-doctoral periodontics and the course director for all pre-doctoral and dental hygiene periodontal courses. She said, “My favorite part about teaching (no matter the role) is getting to help instill in our students a passion for caring for their patients as people, not requirements, establishing a foundation for quality care for the rest of their careers. I know when the students leave here, they will in turn teach their patients, staff and other colleagues carrying our teaching beyond the walls of this building.”