Dental dean candidate vies for spot

The first in a series of candidates for the post of dean of the School of Dentistry was on campus Wednesday for a round of interviews.

Greg Chadwick, former president of the American Dental Association, met with campus administrators and members of the school's faculty Wednesday and will undergo his second set of interviews today.

"The important factors I will bring to the table are vision, passion and a conviction that, by building on the school's accomplishments, we can bring it to the next level in the future," he said during the faculty seminar.

Chadwick, a UNC alumnus, said that if he is selected for the position, he will provide direction for the school.

"Leadership has everything to do with responsibility, vision to see beyond the horizon and courage to challenge a status quo," he said.

The faculty and staff are one of the dental school's biggest assets that Chadwick said he wants to protect.

In the field of dentistry today, 50 percent of the country's faculty members are above the age of 50 and 20 percent are older than 60, Chadwick said.

These statistics make it difficult to retain dental faculty and to inspire interest in others, he said, noting that he would address these issues as dean.

Chadwick also said he hopes to establish the School of Dentistry as one of the nation's leading institutions. Being the best, Chadwick said, means more than holding the No. 1 ranking.

"It means becoming a school that leads discussions and inspires by example."

Officials said they are looking for a candidate who has both research and administrative experience, as well as an understanding of the role of dental education at the University.

Chadwick graduated from the UNC School of Dentistry in 1974 and had a private practice for a year before returning to UNC in 1976 to receive his master's degree in endodontics.

In 2001, Chadwick was elected president of the ADA. He was the first UNC graduate to serve as president of the association.

Officials said that when the other candidates visit campus, they will follow an identical process; this process is the standard hiring procedure for any high-level administrator.

Each candidate interviewed will be treated in the same manner, said Kerry Kilpatrick, chairman of the search committee.

After all candidates have made their stop on campus, the search committee will provide a recommendation to Provost Robert Shelton, but a date for the recommendation has yet to be set.

The position opened after Dean John Stamm announced that he will step down Dec. 31 from the position he has held for 15 years.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.