New Endowed Chair at the CU School of Dental Medicine to Focus on Public Health

William D. Bailey, DDS, MPH

The University of Colorado has announced the appointment of William D. Bailey, DDS, MPH to serve as the school’s first endowed chair in prevention of early childhood caries. Dr. Bailey currently serves as the Chief Dental Officer for the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and has also recently served as the acting Director of the Division of Oral Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The appointment of Dr. Bailey will enhance the university’s efforts to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, which is the most prevalent chronic disease in children. Dr. Bailey points out that “caries is a disease of health inequity. As dental professionals, we can work with other health professionals and community leaders to decrease disparities in oral health.” In order to achieve his vision of eradicating childhood tooth decay, Dr. Bailey will be charged with developing and implementing a combined DDS/MPH degree to better train dentists in public health issues and advocacy. 

To learn more about Dr. Bailey's new role in promoting the oral health of Coloradans, read the full article.