Assaf appointed chair of Restorative Sciences

Dr. Hussein M. Assaf has been appointed chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG), effective July 1.

As chair, Assaf will lead the department’s strategic direction, oversee its academic and clinical programs, support the success of faculty and students, and advance its missions of education, research, patient care and service. He brings extensive experience in academic leadership, dental education, clinical care and faculty development. He will also promote collaboration across the DCG while helping the department continue to provide outstanding restorative dental education and high-quality, comprehensive patient care.

Prior to joining Augusta University, Assaf served as professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, where he also directed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program. During his tenure, he led curriculum innovation initiatives, expanded clinical education opportunities and played an integral role in faculty development, accreditation and academic governance.

Dr. Assaf earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1993 after completing undergraduate and graduate studies in biology and neurophysiology at the University of Bordeaux in France. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency through the U.S. Air Force at Langley Air Force Base and served as a general dentist in the Air Force before beginning his academic career.

Assaf has lectured nationally and internationally on adhesive and esthetic dentistry, minimally invasive restorative techniques and management of medical emergencies in dentistry. His scholarly interests include restorative dental materials, digital dentistry, clinical education and preventive oral health. He has served as a consultant and site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), serves on the CODA public health review committee and has contributed to multiple professional organizations and editorial boards.

Assaf is an active member of the American Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association. He has received numerous honors recognizing his excellence in teaching and clinical education, including multiple outstanding faculty awards, as well as the Air Force Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.