Dr. Desmond Gallagher appointed new dean of ATSU-ASDOH

Dr. Desmond Gallagher appointed new dean of ATSU-ASDOH

A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) has announced the appointment of Desmond "Des" Gallagher, BDS, MA, as dean, effective Sept. 11, 2024. Dr. Gallagher succeeds Dean Robert Trombly, DDS, JD.

Dr. Gallagher currently serves as associate dean for clinical services and previously as the executive associate dean and chair of the Department of Clinical Oral Healthcare at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California.

With nearly 30 years of professional experience, Dr. Gallagher brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ATSU-ASDOH. He began his dental and military career as a general dentistry and anesthesiology program resident in Germany. During his seven years of active service, Dr. Gallagher undertook several operational tours, including command and leadership of combined medical/dental assets.

After military service, he established a dental office, and in 2012, he joined the Dugoni School of Dentistry as a group practice leader and course director for the dental urgent care clinic and clinical application of evidence-based dentistry. He is also an examiner for the License in Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and a CODA site visitor.

Dr. Gallagher earned his dental degree from the University of Wales College of Medicine School of Dentistry in 1994 and received a master's degree in dental education from the University of the Pacific in 2016. His honors and awards include the Dugoni Dental Faculty Council Distinguished Faculty Award and the Associated Student Body Award for teaching excellence. He is a Fellow of the ADEA Leadership Institute and the American College of Dentists and an Associate Fellow of the College of General Dentistry in England.