Following a national search, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry has announced the selection of Des Gallagher DDS, MA, MFGDP(UK) to serve as the school’s Associate Dean for Clinical Services and Chair of the Department of Clinical Oral Health. 

Dr. Gallagher brings extensive experience to these roles. He previously served as Interim Associate Dean for Clinical Services and Interim Chair of the Department of Clinical Oral Health since last July, in addition to his role as Executive Associate Dean. He has helped transition and strengthen the school’s clinical care and education model, and has been an integral part of the school’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Prior to his previous appointments, he was an assistant professor and group practice leader (GPL) in the Department of Dental Practice at the Dugoni School. As GPL, Dr. Gallagher was involved in the daily patient management and competency development of 40+ students as they progress through the clinical component of the D.D.S. program. He was the course director for the Emergency Care course and coordinator for faculty and student experience, and co-directed the Patient Management and Clinical Judgment course with the other GPLs. He served on many committees, including Strategic Planning and the Competency Writing Group, and was chair of the Dental Faculty Council. 

Dr. Gallagher earned his dental degree from the University of Wales College of Medicine School of Dentistry in 1994 and began his military career in Germany with a General Dentistry and Anesthesiology program. During his seven years active service he undertook several operational tours. After military service, he established a dental office and undertook a two-year Diploma in Clinical Dentistry at Trinity College Dublin School of Dentistry before joining the faculty as a part time Clinical Instructor. In 2012, he joined the Dugoni School as a full-time GPL. 

In 2015, he completed his MA in Dental Education with the University of the Pacific Benerd School of Education and Academy of Academic Leadership (AAL). In 2018, he completed the ADEA Leadership Institute (LI), which is a yearlong program designed to develop the nation’s most promising individuals at academic dental institutions to become future leaders in dental and higher education. He is a presenter for AAL’s Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching, a professional development program designed specifically for faculty members at Dugoni. He served as a volunteer test constructor for the Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination and is an Examiner for the License in Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 

Dr. Gallagher has been the recipient of an excellence in teaching award from the Associated Student Body. He has been inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, and is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and American College of Dentists. 

“Dr. Gallagher knows our talented people, excellent programs, and humanistic culture very well,” said Dean Nader A. Nadershahi. “I know he will do a great job overseeing our clinical operations and helping us continue defining new standards for clinical care delivery and education as we progress toward achieving our strategic priorities and purpose as a school.”