Marnie Oakley will serve as interim dean of the School of Dental Medicine

Marnie Oakley (DEN ’92) has been named interim dean of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dental Medicine, following Dean Bernard J. Costello’s transition to a new role as associate vice chancellor for health sciences integration.

After earning her DMD from Pitt, Oakley served a four-year tour as a dental officer in the United States Navy. She returned to Pitt in 1996 as a clinical assistant professor and has risen to leadership since. She is the school’s vice dean, associate dean for clinical affairs and former chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Comprehensive Care.

Among her many contributions, Oakley was responsible for the development and implementation of the School of Dental Medicine Comprehensive Care program, which provides patients with oral health treatments that ensure that their dental care contributes to their overall health and prioritizes their most important medical needs. She also served as chair of the American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) Annual Session Planning Committee for two consecutive years, for which she received a citation from the ADEA president.

In recent years, Oakley has shifted her focus from clinical practice to facilitating leadership training at a national level across dental education. She has gained an international reputation in dental education as a speaker, consultant to other schools and mentor with the ADEA’s leadership programs.

“I am confident Marnie’s thoughtful and careful leadership will support us until the next dean is identified, and I want to thank her for her dedication to the School of Dental Medicine,” said Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Dean of the School of Medicine.

The school will begin a national search for a permanent dean this fall.