The School of Dentistry is led by Renato Silva, DDS, MS, PhD. His responsibilities include providing vision and leadership in directing, coordinating and integrating the teaching, research, practice and service missions of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. In consultation with faculty and administrators, the dean has overall responsibility and authority for:
- Strategic planning and operations.
- Continuous quality improvement of curriculum and instruction.
- Fiscal planning, resource acquisition and management, including budget preparation, supervision, and utilization.
- Student affairs, including admissions and enrollment management, financial aid, counseling, and other student support services and activities.
- Space and facilities planning and management including capital projects.
- Academic program development, evaluation, and revision.
- Personnel administration, including faculty and staff appointments, retention, and development.
- Fundraising, alumni affairs, and public relations.
Dean Silva serves as spokesperson for the faculty and represents the School of Dentistry within the wider UT System, the academic and professional community and the business community. The dean is responsible for advocating for dentistry and maintaining relationships between the School of Dentistry and local, state, regional, national and international agencies and organizations.