Numerous leadership appointments have been made in the last few months at the UNMC College of Dentistry. Recent appointments of leadership and named professorship or fellowship positions include:
- Craig Vacek, DDS, assistant dean of clinics. Dr. Vacek’s expertise reflects an understanding that effective leadership in dentistry must span the full spectrum — from financial statement analysis and operational efficiency to behavioral psychology and genuine, authentic human interaction.
- John Ficke, DDS, director of predoctoral orthodontics at the UNMC College of Dentistry Department of Growth and Development. Dr. Ficke will oversee predoctoral orthodontic curriculum, while continuing the integration of foundational biomechanics and contemporary clinical practice.
- Kort Igel, DDS, orthodontic site director at Children’s Nebraska. His breadth of clinical knowledge and experience with multidisciplinary care will be an invaluable resource for our residents during their rotations at Children’s Nebraska, where the management of complex cases is a vital component of advanced orthodontic training.
- Amy Killeen, DDS, assistant dean of postgraduate education. Dr. Killeen, whose clinical research focuses on multi-institutional collaborations studying inflammation in oral wound healing, is active in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
- Julie Marshall, DDS, associate dean for education. Her work on curriculum development, competency-based education, and innovative teaching methods, including widely adopted e-learning modules and digital education initiatives, has made her a nationally recognized educator.
- Upoma Guha, director of the advanced standing dental program. A recognized leader in dental education, including participation in the ADEA (American Dental Education Association) Leadership Institute and service in national organizations.
- Nancy Adams, PhD, interim chair of oral biology. Dr. Adams has been an active contributor to regional and national educational initiatives, including anatomy outreach programs, student competition programs, and the development of anatomy workshops for students pursuing careers in the health professions.
- Amanda Ribeiro Wobido, DDS, the Dr. Merritt C. Pedersen Professor of Dentistry, a five-year appointment, named by student-body vote. Dr. Pedersen, a 1922 alumnus, was a lifelong contributor to the Nebraska and dental communities and a charter member of the Nebraska Dental Association Hall of Fame.
- Richard Bokemper, DDS, the Dr. William E. Ludwick Faculty Fellowship in Dentistry. Dr. Bokemper’s teaching excellence and dedication to service reflects the fellowship’s criteria.