Schulich Dentistry has a rich history rooted in innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in dental education. From its early endorsement in 1949 to its current role as a leader in oral health education and research, the school has continually evolved to meet the needs of students and the profession.

  • Current Vice Dean & Director: Dr. Carlos Quiñonez (2022–present)
  • Founding Dean: Dr. Wesley Dunn (1965–1982)

Major Milestones

The origins of Schulich Dentistry trace back to 1949, when the Canadian Dental Association and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario endorsed the development of a dental school at Western University. This vision became reality in 1964 with the official approval of the Faculty of Dentistry by the Government of Ontario. Two years later, in 1966, the ground-breaking ceremony for the Dental Sciences Building marked the beginning of a new era for dental education at Western. Under the leadership of Dr. Wesley Dunn, the founding Dean from 1965 to 1982, the school welcomed its first students and graduated its inaugural class in 1970. A commitment to advanced education led to the establishment of the first graduate program in Orthodontics in 1973, expanding opportunities for specialized training.

In 1997, a major transformation occurred when the School of Dentistry merged with the School of Medicine, forming the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. This integration strengthened interprofessional collaboration and positioned the dental program as a leader in comprehensive health education.

Evolution of International Programs

Western has long recognized the importance of global dental education. In 1997, the Qualifying Program was introduced to help internationally trained dentists meet Canadian licensure requirements. This program evolved into the Internationally Trained Dentists (ITD) Program in 2005, granting graduates the same Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree as domestic students. Continuing this commitment to excellence, Schulich Dentistry launched the Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG) in 2025, replacing the ITD program. ASPIDG admits qualified candidates directly into Year 2 of the DDS program, ensuring rigorous training and integration into Canadian dental practice.