Ramzi V. Abou-Arraj, D.D.S., M.S., was named Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs effective September 1, 2023.
A professor who has served as Clinic Director of the graduate Periodontology Clinic and Assistant Director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontology, Abou-Arraj was appointed Director of Academic Affairs in 2021. Since that time, he has led the Curriculum Committee and curriculum review.
Abou-Arraj is a 2003 graduate of the Université Saint Joseph School of Dentistry, Lebanon. Holding two periodontology certificates (Lebanese University & UAB) and a Master of Science degree from UAB, Abou-Arraj is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
He has served as the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Education Committee chair and has received numerous awards and honors. Among them, he is a two-time recipient of the AAP Educator Award. He also is recipient of the AAP Foundation Lazzara Fellowship in Advanced Implant Surgery, the AAP R. Earl Robinson Periodontal Regeneration Award, and the UAB President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He was a member of the 2015-16 Blaze Leadership Academy cohort and the 2022-23 Health Leadership Academy cohort. He was elected to faculty membership in the Phi Phi Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society. Abou-Arraj is a current examiner for the American Board of Periodontology (ABP) and serves on ABP committees.
His academic appointments also include the UAB Graduate School. Abou-Arraj is a Scientist in the UAB Global Center for Craniofacial, Oral and Dental Disorders and the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science. His clinical and research interests include periodontal regeneration, periodontal plastic surgery, dental implant site development and interdisciplinary care. Abou-Arraj has made quality contributions to the dental literature and his papers have impacted clinical care and are frequently quoted.
“Our students are an important part of our mission,” says Interim Dean Nicolaas Geurs, D.D.S., M.S. “As our school’s chief academic officer, Dr. Abou-Arraj is well positioned to continue our tradition of innovative, high-quality academic programming and support for students. This will contribute to the bright future of UAB School of Dentistry.”
In addition to his leadership of the curriculum committee, Abou-Arraj is working on a variety of initiatives.
“I am honored to serve our students and faculty and hope to grow the academic affairs initiatives led and managed by this office,” says Abou-Arraj. “Our school has an excellent reputation and offers strong didactic and clinical curricula and student experiences. While the Office of Academic Affairs oversees and manages our educational program, it is the active contribution of all stakeholders that makes our program as strong as it is.”