Looking back and ahead—Fall 2025 Dean’s update

Dear Members of the HSDM Community,

I recently reached my five-year anniversary serving as HSDM’s dean. As I reflected back on the day I started, I vividly remember what it was like to join the School in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were in the thick of managing a crisis and HSDM adapted to treating patients within stringent health protocols, pivoted to teaching classes virtually, and daily COVID tests were the norm. Our tightknit community remained resilient, delivered on our mission, and became even more innovative in the process. I was extremely proud of our community then, and I continue to be to this day!

Our current challenges may be different this time, but I’m seeing that same strength come forth once again. The past few months have not been without sacrifice, but I assure you that we will adapt, as we did during the pandemic, and come out stronger. Last week, our Leadership Team convened over a two-day retreat. We focused on the future of HSDM and how we can rise to meet the moment and set a path forward. We heard from Harvard experts from across the University and explored creative ways to deepen support for our research mission through corporate-academic partnerships; deliver our educational programs to larger numbers of learners through new and dynamic technology platforms; and foster a greater a sense of belonging within our community by promoting open and constructive dialogue. In the coming weeks you’ll hear more about how these initiatives fit within a broader strategic framework and how you can get involved.

At the heart of HSDM we are an educational institution and every one of us contributes to our educational and patient care mission. This underscores the importance of our upcoming accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) on October 14-16. Every seven years, CODA accreditors visit HSDM to evaluate our educational programs. Preparing for this visit is truly a School-wide effort and I’m extremely grateful to everyone who contributes to it. This is another chance for us to show the strength and resolve of our community and the excellence of our programs. I know we are well prepared, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the academic year ahead.

With gratitude,

William V. Giannobile
Dean, and A. Lee Loomis Professor of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity