Denise Kassebaum, DDS, has announced her plans to retire in 2027 after 20 years as dean of the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine in Aurora.
Dr. Kassebaum is the first woman to lead the school and its longest-serving dean in its 53-year history. She will continue serving as dean during a national search for her successor, according to an Aug. 25 news release.
During her tenure, annual DDS graduates grew from 52 to 120 through the Advanced Standing International Student Program and the Growing to Serve initiative. She also oversaw the development of the Dental Advanced Simulation Hub, which introduced simulation technologies, AI-driven patient avatars and augmented reality into the school’s curriculum, and the expansion of the school’s research programs, community engagement initiatives and the Advanced Clinical Training and Service program.
