Fonteles named head of pediatric dentistry

Cristiane S. Fonteles, DDS, MS, PhD

Professor Cristiane S. Fonteles, DDS, MS, PhD, has been named head of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, effective Feb. 1.

Fonteles succeeds Professor Nathanael Salako, BDS, MSc, who has served as interim chair of the department since Sept. 1, 2024.

Fonteles joined the Department of Pediatric Dentistry faculty in 2024, bringing an extensive background in academic leadership, research, and clinical education. She earned her DDS, MS, and PhD in pharmacology from the Federal University of Ceará in Brazil and holds certificates in general dentistry and pediatric dentistry from Eastman Dental Center and the University of Rochester in New York.

Prior to joining UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, Fonteles held faculty appointments at the University of Fortaleza in Brazil, served as a Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor at Indiana University School of Dentistry, and held multiple faculty and leadership appointments at the Federal University of Ceará.

Internationally recognized for her research in dental caries, fluoride therapy, saliva-based diagnostics, and craniofacial syndromes, Fonteles has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Her work has been supported by competitive funding and has contributed to advances in preventive and clinical pediatric dentistry.

Throughout her career, her scholarly and educational efforts have focused on evidence-based pediatric oral health care, translational research, and the education and mentorship of future dental professionals.