U of S appoints dean in College of Dentistry

Brothwell, who is currently the associate dean (academic) in the College of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba, will step into the role effective September 1, 2017.

For Brothwell, who received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the U of S in 1984, this post is a homecoming of sorts. 

“I am a U of S grad, and I started my career as a dentist in Saskatchewan,” said Brothwell, who also earned a Bachelor of Education degree at the U of S before pursuing his Master of Science and diploma in dental public health training at the University of Toronto. “This is full circle and I relish the opportunity to continue my career here and share what I’ve learned with future generations.”

Brothwell, who replaces Dr. Gerry Uswak as he finishes his second five-year term, said the college has a long tradition of training excellent clinicians and he looks forward to “working with students to ensure the educational program only continues to improve. I will also work with the college faculty and staff in order to fulfill our larger university role with regards to research and service to the community.” 

Research productivity within the college, he continued, is an area to which he will pay specific attention with an eye towards growth.

“Every member of the college should be conducting research and their interests should help inform the research they undertake,” said Brothwell, whose own research interests include: mental health status and treatment needs of disadvantaged Canadians; the relationship between fluoride ingestion, dental fluorosis and dental health; and smoking cessation and its effect on health.

Brothwell also has an extensive background in serving as a public health dentist and said there are great opportunities for the college to reach further into the community in this area.

“I see this as an ideal opportunity to further integrate the school into the province to ensure it is doing everything it can do at the highest level in service to Saskatchewan,” explained Brothwell. “My work in the community helped show me the importance of congenial and collaborative approach to patient care.”

“Dr. Brothwell’s unique combination of education and experience, both professional and administrative, made him an ideal selection to lead our College of Dentistry,” said Michael Atkinson, interim provost and vice-president academic. “Dr. Brothwell has the knowledge to expand the college’s research capacity, enhance student education and increase community service. All of this will contribute to our dentistry program becoming one of the best in the country.”