Yang Chai, DMD, PhD, DDS, associate dean of research at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, has been named dean of the school, effective July 1.

Dr. Chai, a USC University Professor of Dentistry, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, had been serving as interim dean of the school. He will be appointed as the G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry.

Dr. Chai is noted for his research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of craniofacial development and birth defects, which has led to the successful rescue of cleft palate and suture regeneration in craniosynostosis in preclinical studies. He studies stem cells, and he and his research team are currently preparing for first-in-human clinical trials using innovative 3D-printed scaffolds combined with stem cells to regenerate tissue for patients who have lost skull bone due to trauma, congenital defects or disease.

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