Janet Guthmiller, D.D.S., Ph.D., associate dean of academic affairs and professor in the department of periodontology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, has been appointed as the new dean of the College of Dentistry at UNMC.
The appointment is effective Sept. 1, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Dr. Guthmiller will succeed John Reinhardt, D.D.S., who is stepping down after 14 years as UNMC’s dentistry dean.
“Dr. Guthmiller brings a wealth of experience as a dental educator and researcher,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “She possesses the leadership qualities we need to build on the reputation and accomplishments of the College of Dentistry.”
Prior to her current position, Dr. Guthmiller served on the faculty of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (now the University of Maryland School of Dentistry) and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She has been the associate dean at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since 2007.
Dr. Guthmiller said she is very excited to lead the College of Dentistry.
“I am honored to be a part of this great institution,” she said. “I hope to sustain the excellence and build on the strengths of the College of Dentistry.”
Dr. Guthmiller said she plans to partner with dental students, faculty, staff, and alumni and friends of the College of Dentistry, as well as UNMC’s other colleges, on initiatives that will benefit all Nebraskans.
“As a statewide campus, UNMC has a mission not only in education, research and clinical care, but also in service,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how the college can work and collaborate to help identify and address oral health needs throughout Nebraska and beyond.”
Dr. Guthmiller is an accomplished researcher, author and teacher with special interests in genetic studies of periodontal bacteria and the expression and activity of innate antimicrobial peptides. During her time in academia, she also spent 14 years as a practicing periodontist. As an educator, she has a deep interest in mentorship programs for students and faculty. She is the recipient of multiple collegiate and national recognitions.
“Dr. Guthmiller separated herself from a talented field of candidates through the scope of her research and educational work, as well as her ability to quickly connect with all groups,” said Joan Sivers, D.D.S., chairwoman of the search committee.