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The School of Dentistry is thrilled to share the appointment of Hai Zhang, DMD, PhD, FACP, as chair of the department of comprehensive dentistry and program director of the prosthodontics residency program, effective October 1, 2025.

Zhang will join us from the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where he served as a professor and leader in restorative and comprehensive dental education. He also held a position as a graduate faculty member at the University of Washington Graduate School. With an accomplished academic background and a strong dedication to clinical excellence, education, and research, Zhang brings a depth of experience to enrich our student and resident training programs.

Zhang earned his DMD from the West China University of Medical Sciences and his PhD from the University of Connecticut, where he also completed advanced training in prosthodontics. A diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontists, he further strengthened his leadership expertise through a fellowship with the American Dental Education Association’s Leadership Institute.

Zhang has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has been invited to speak at leading institutions nationally and internationally. His research interests focus on restorative dentistry, biomaterials and the application of scientific discovery to clinical practice. He is also widely recognized for his mentorship of students and junior faculty and his collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

As the new Chair, Zhang will lead the department of comprehensive dentistry in advancing clinical education, fostering innovation and enhancing patient-centered care across general and restorative dentistry. He expressed his enthusiasm with us, “I am super excited about this opportunity and looking forward to working with all colleagues at the ºÚÁÏÍø."

Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Zhang to ºÚÁÏÍø and congratulating him on this new role!