UTHSC News: Ken Tilashalski, DMD, Named Dean of the College of Dentistry at UT Health Science Center

An experienced clinician, respected academician, and dynamic leader, Ken Tilashalski, DMD, has been tapped to lead the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, effective July 1.

Dr. Tilashalski, affectionately known as 'Dr. T' to students, faculty, and staff, has served as the college's executive associate dean since September 2023. He will succeed James Ragain, DDS, PhD, who has served the college as dean since 2018, presiding over the opening of the $45 million Delta Dental of Tennessee Building on the Memphis campus and the launch of the $53 million Healthy Smiles Initiative to expand access to quality dental care across the state.

"We are thrilled that Dr. Tilashalski will lead our outstanding College of Dentistry into its bright future," said Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD. "A nationwide search identified a stellar leader, who not only knows the college and our university, but also brings an abundance of national knowledge and experience to the role."

"I am truly honored to be a part of such a great university and college," Dr. Tilashalski said. "We have a unique opportunity to build on the Healthy Smiles Initiative to improve the lives of the citizens of Tennessee across the state. Dean Ragain has left a fantastic foundation for our future, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with our outstanding faculty and staff, dedicated alumni, and statewide partners to do this important work."

The UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry is the third-oldest public college of dentistry in the country. The college, founded in 1878, trains 75% of Tennessee's dentists and most of the dentists in Arkansas.

Read more at our UTHSC news site.