Written by: Samil Baker
Media contact: Anna Jones
Nicolaas Geurs, D.D.S., M.S., inaugural holder of UAB's Weatherford-Palcanis Endowed Professorship in Dentistry and the Dental Alumni-Joseph F. Volker Chair of Clinical Dentistry, has been selected as the next dean of the UAB School of Dentistry following a national search. He will begin his new role June 1.
"Dr. Geurs' unwavering commitment and impactful contributions to the School of Dentistry during his tenure at UAB make him an invaluable asset to our university and an excellent choice," said Janet Woodruff-Borden, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs."His extensive knowledge, proven leadership, and enthusiasm for advancing the School attest to his qualifications and preparedness for this pivotal role. I look forward to the continued growth and advancement of the School under his experienced guidance."
With 30 years of academic leadership at UAB, Geurs has held various positions, including research instructor, director, professor and senior scientist within the School of Dentistry. Prior to being named interim dean in July 2023, he was chair of the Department of Periodontology.
Geurs' research interests include periodontitis and systemic health, regeneration, implant site development, and dental implantology. He is widely recognized nationally and internationally in periodontology and dental implantology. Research grants from numerous corporate sponsors support him, including the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Actively engaged in advancing dental education, Geurs is a director of the American Board of Periodontology and a graduate of the American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute. He also lends his expertise to the editorial advisory boards for leading publications such as the Journal of Periodontology and Clinical Advances in Periodontics.
"I am deeply grateful and thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve as the next dean of the UAB School of Dentistry," said Geurs. "My love for the school and our campus fuels my commitment to advancing our mission and serving our community with integrity and passion. I am excited to continue working alongside dedicated leadership, faculty and staff to uphold our tradition of excellence in dental education and patient care."
Geurs earned his dental degree from the Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam (ACTA). He completed his training in periodontology and his master's in clinical dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Geurs is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and is actively involved in the didactic and clinical teaching in periodontology and implantology.
Woodruff-Borden expressed appreciation for the search committee, led by School of Nursing Dean Maria Shirey, Ph.D., for successfully identifying an accomplished and visionary candidate. "I extend my gratitude to the search committee for their exemplary work in recognizing and attracting highly qualified candidates for this important role," Woodruff-Borden remarked. "I applaud Dr. Shirey's leadership as the committee chair and value the engagement of faculty, staff, students, and alumni throughout the search process."
