GSDM recently created a Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology that will support both pre- and postdoctoral education, clinical training, research, calibration, and compliance.
Dr. Deeba Kashtwari, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial radiologist who joined GSDM in 2021, will serve as the inaugural chair of this department. She is a clinical associate professor of oral & maxillofacial radiology and will also serve as GSDM’s chief radiation safety officer.
“I thank Dean Leone for sharing this vision for the school, which is an important milestone in the history of GSDM, and having faith in my ability,” Kashtwari said. “The new department will create a centralized system at GSDM and improve collaboration and visibility of radiology within the school.”
Since its founding in 1963, GSDM has had several iterations of a department, and then division, focused on oral & maxillofacial radiology. Most recently, GSDM maintained a Division of Radiology within the Department of General Dentistry. This division was focused primarily on the predoctoral DMD program, whereas postdoctoral radiology operations were managed by each specialty program.
The creation of this new department will enhance GSDM’s national reputation and help align the university with peer institutions.
“Our curriculum will be more streamlined, integrated, and be able to respond to changes and technical developments in the field of oral and maxillofacial radiology,” Kashtwari said. “We will have more coordination among faculty and staff who teach students or answer their questions, which will have a positive impact on the overall education as well as clinical practice at GSDM.
As for the future of the department, Kashtwari said the centralized radiology system will open doors to many collaborations and research opportunities for predoctoral students, residents, and faculty members.
“The department will enhance the exposure of students to the field of oral and maxillofacial radiology students at both pre and postdoctoral levels,” Kashtwari said. “This is just a small beginning, but as the department reaches its full potential, there will more clinical and research opportunities that will benefit the school.”
