Comisi named interim chair of general dentistry

The DCG announces the appointment of Dr. John Comisi as interim chair of the Department of General Dentistry, effective April 1.

Comisi brings more than four decades of experience in general dentistry and dental sleep medicine. He joined the Dental College of Georgia in January 2025 as a professor and has since supported instruction, patient care and research across the department. He succeeds the department’s previous interim leadership team, who return to full-time faculty roles after a period of service.

“His enthusiasm for and love of the department and the DCG has been evident since arriving here,” said Dr. Anthony “Skip” Mollica, Jr., who served as interim chair of the department. “We are looking forward to his leadership and a flawless transition.”

Comisi spent 35 years in private practice in Ithaca, New York. He later served as an associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he guided courses in operative dentistry and helped launch one of the nation’s first elective courses focused on airway and sleep medicine for dental and medical professionals.

“As I step into this role, my goal centers on strengthening the D4 year as a transformative experience that prepares students for clinical practice,” he said. “I also look forward to strengthening collaboration with the Department of Restorative Dentistry to support a seamless transition from the D3 to the D4 year. By aligning efforts across departments, we can further elevate the readiness of our graduates as they enter practice and serve the public.”

Comisi continues to contribute to research and education in dental materials and sleep medicine. He holds Diplomate status with the American Sleep and Breathing Academy and is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. He also served as president of the South Carolina Dental Association and remains active with the American Dental Association through its Council on Scientific Affairs.

Comisi earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Fordham University.