Message from the Chancellor
Announcing Retirement of Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, 7-30-2026
Dear students, faculty and staff,
We write to share that CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, has announced her plans to retire in 2027. Following her many years of dedicated leadership, Dr. Kassebaum will continue to serve as dean while a national search is conducted for her successor.
Dr. Kassebaum was named dean in 2006 just after the school’s move to the CU Anschutz campus. She is the first woman dean and the longest-serving in the school’s approximately 50-year history. During her leadership, Dr. Kassebaum has led significant growth across the school’s mission areas and facilities.
When Dr. Kassebaum was appointed dean, the school graduated just 52 Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) students each year. With the launch of the Advanced Standing International Student Program and the Growing to Serve Initiative that increased class sizes and clinical space, that number has grown to 120 annual DDS graduates. Advanced dental education residency programs also grew under her leadership.
Dr. Kassebaum has been a national leader in advancing innovation in dental education. Her vision positioned CU Anschutz Dental as a leader in simulation with the opening of the DASH (Dental Advanced Simulation Hub) and the incorporation of haptics, avatars and augmented reality programming into the dental curriculum. Current clinical innovations include a strong focus on digital dentistry, 3D printing, AI-enabled diagnostic radiographic imaging and treatment planning, all anchored in the school’s Care First Initiative that has enhanced the patient experience and increased clinical activities.
Working alongside a dedicated faculty, under Dr. Kassebaum’s leadership the breadth and impact of the school's research enterprise increased in the areas of craniofacial development and oral and materials sciences. The school also received millions in transformational gifts to catalyze interprofessional education, veterans care, student scholarships and a therapy dog initiative.
The school’s community engagement programs have also expanded to include a new geriatrics and special care clinical program as well as rural and global health tracks, along with expansion of the nationally recognized Advanced Clinical Training and Service (ACTS) program.
We have been fortunate to have a visionary and collaborative leader at the helm who will leave CU Anschutz Dental well-positioned for a future of transforming lives through its education, research, patient care and community service programs. Over the coming year, the campus will initiate the search process for a new dean and have the opportunity to celebrate Dr. Kassebaum's many contributions while she continues to lead the school and support a successful transition.
Sincerely,
Don Elliman
Chancellor
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs,
Provost and Chief Academic Officer