Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, dean of the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine, has announced her intention to retire in 2027. She will continue serving as dean throughout the university’s search for her successor and will support a smooth leadership transition.
Named dean in 2006 shortly after the school's move to the CU Anschutz campus, Kassebaum is the first woman to lead the school and the longest-serving dean in its 53-year history. During her 20 years as dean, she has guided significant growth across the school's education, research, patient care and community engagement missions.
“When I reflect on my time in this leadership role, what stands out most is the pace of change in dental education and new opportunities in oral health care," Kassebaum said. "We have expanded opportunities for students and residents, strengthened our research enterprise, deepened our commitment to serving our communities, and embraced technologies that have improved the care provided by general dentists and specialists.”
Under Kassebaum's leadership, the school's educational programs expanded substantially. Annual DDS graduates increased from 52 students to 120 through the introduction of the Advanced Standing International Student Program and the Growing to Serve initiative, which increased class sizes and expanded clinical capacity. Advanced education programs also grew during this time.
Kassebaum helped position the school as a national leader in dental education innovation. Her vision led to the development of the Dental Advanced Simulation Hub (DASH), introducing advanced simulation technologies, AI-driven simulated patient avatars and augmented reality into the educational experience. More recently, the school has expanded the use of digital dentistry, 3D printing and AI-enabled technologies in clinical education and patient care.
Under Kassebaum's leadership, the School of Dental Medicine's research enterprise expanded in both scope and impact. Working alongside faculty investigators, the school strengthened its research programs in areas including craniofacial development, oral biology and materials sciences, while increasing opportunities for collaboration across the CU Anschutz campus and globally.
The school also received transformational philanthropic investments during Kassebaum's tenure. Generous benefactor support helped advance initiatives focused on interprofessional education, veterans care, student scholarships, the school's therapy dog program, and much more – creating new opportunities for learners and enhancing the patient experience.
Community engagement efforts grew as well, with the addition of the Senior and Special Care Clinic, expanded rural and global health opportunities, and continued growth of the nationally recognized Advanced Clinical Training and Service (ACTS) program.
Kassebaum credits the school's accomplishments to the collective efforts of colleagues, students, alumni and partners across Colorado and beyond.
“None of these achievements happened because of one individual,” she said. “I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary faculty, staff, students, residents and alumni, as well as colleagues across the Anschutz campus, community partners, dental organizations and academic leaders throughout the country. The relationships we have built and the shared commitment to excellence have made every success possible.”
Over the next academic year and as the school transitions leadership, Kassebaum said her focus remains on the future of the school.
“The School of Dental Medicine's greatest strengths are its people and its sense of purpose,” Kassebaum said. “I am deeply optimistic about what comes next. The foundation that has been built over many years will allow future leaders, faculty, staff and learners to continue advancing oral health, discovery and patient care in ways we can only begin to imagine.”
Reflecting on her service as dean, Kassebaum expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the school.
"Today, and every day, it is the honor of my professional career to serve as dean," she said.
Additional information about the national search process for the school's next dean will be shared by campus leadership in the coming months.
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