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Announcement: Dr. Selma Saadaldin appointed Assistant Dean, Learner Experience (Dentistry)
Office of the Dean
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Selma Saadaldin has been appointed as Assistant Dean, Learner Experience (Dentistry) at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, effective October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2031.
Dr. Saadaldin completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery and MSc in Prosthodontics at the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad in Iraq. She began her academic career as an instructor at the University of Baghdad and subsequently joined Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates as a lecturer in its College of Dentistry. In 2013, Dr. Saadaldin completed the Western Certificate in University Teaching and Learning through the Centre for Teaching and Learning while pursuing her PhD in Dental Biomaterials in the Department of Medical Biophysics, which she completed in 2014. In 2023, Dr. Saadaldin completed a postgraduate degree in Dental Education at the University of Dundee in Scotland, further developing her expertise in teaching, learning and dental education.
Dr. Saadaldin joined Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in 2012 as an Adjunct Clinical Professor. She subsequently served as an Assistant Professor at Taibah University and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia before returning to Schulich Dentistry as an Assistant Professor in 2020. At Schulich Dentistry, Dr. Saadaldin has served on the Undergraduate Dental Education Committee/Pre-Clinical Progression Committee, the Dentistry Accreditation Committee and Dentistry Council. In addition to directing and teaching undergraduate prosthodontics, she has supervised student research, facilitated Professionalism Day activities and mentored learners through research, career exploration, international programming and community-based clinical service. In recognition of her contributions to teaching and learner development, she received the Schulich Dentistry Outstanding Faculty Award in 2024.
With more than 20 years of experience in dental education and academic leadership across Canada and internationally, Dr. Saadaldin brings a collaborative, learner-centred approach shaped by working with learners and colleagues across diverse educational systems, cultures, languages and professional contexts. Her commitment to service and learner development extends beyond the classroom and clinic. In 2023, she supervised dental learners providing care to underserved communities in Jamaica through Great Shape! Inc. In 2024, she supervised dental learners providing care through the Syrian American Medical Society at the Al-Zaatari Syrian Refugee Camp in Jordan. Recently, she served as Academic Lead for the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Summer Training Program hosted at Schulich Dentistry, coordinating a comprehensive international educational experience for visiting dental learners.
As incoming Assistant Dean, Dr. Saadaldin’s vision is to foster a learner experience in which every student feels supported, respected, included and equipped to succeed. She believes that every learner matters. Through a balance of support, fairness, accountability and partnership, she aims to help learners succeed academically, grow professionally and develop into compassionate dental professionals who serve the needs of their communities.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Saadaldin on her appointment.
John Yoo, MD, FRCS(C), FACS
Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University