Janet Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, Dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry
Janet Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, became the dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry on Sept. 1, 2014. She is the first woman to serve as dean of the college.
Dean Guthmiller is an accomplished researcher, author, teacher and spent 14 years as a practicing periodontist. She has special interests in genetic studies of periodontal bacteria and the expression and activity of innate antimicrobial peptides. As an educator, she has a passion for mentorship programs for students and faculty. She is the author of several publications and the recipient of many grants from organizations including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Dean Guthmiller is a nationally-recognized leader in dental education. She currently serves as the president of the Supreme Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), a national organization that promotes academic excellence and professionalism among dental students and educators. She also serves on the American Dental Education Association Council of Deans, a national organization that studies current issues facing dental students and determines possible solutions.
Dean Guthmiller is committed to the UNMC College of Dentistry’s tripartite mission of education, research and service. Following are some of the initiatives she has lead to advance the mission of the college:
- COVID-19 Response - See 'College of Dentistry led peers during the pandemic.'
- New Cutting-Edge Learning Technology - The college stays at the forefront of dental education by leading the country in innovative learning technology. In our newly renovated Clinical and Virtual Simulation Laboratory, students build their clinical skills using clinical simulators that mirror the private practice experience and state-of-the-art virtual reality dental trainers that allow them to navigate and manipulate virtual clinical environments. In our new Digital Design Studio, students build cutting-edge digital dentistry skills that will help them reach new levels in their professional careers.
- New Clinical Model - The college developed a highly effective clinical model that closely resembles providing comprehensive care within a private practice. Students are assigned to teams that provide patients with all the care they need. This clinic model promotes a sense of teamwork and helps students build relationships with their patients.
- Rural Nebraska Outreach - The college was awarded a $4 million, 10-year contract from the State of Nebraska Oral Health Training and Services fund to help increase the number of dental graduates practicing in rural Nebraska shortage areas and to increase oral health services for the citizens in Nebraska.
- Research Growth - The college achieved a 32.2 percent increase in research funding during fiscal year 2018.
Associate and Assistant Deans
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| Steven Haas Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs |
Yun Saksena Associate Dean for Education |
Jodi Isom Interim Associate Dean for Finance and Administration |
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| James K. Wahl Interim Associate Dean for Research |
Amir Farhangpour Assistant Dean for Omaha Clinics |
Merlyn W. Vogt Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Director of Admissions |