Category: SDM News

On Wednesday, March 26, Dr. Fotinos Panagakos, founding dean of PNWU’s School of Dental Medicine (SDM), joined Yakama Nation Radio (1490 AM) to discuss his innovative new program, the urgent need for dental care in rural and underserved communities, and PNWU’s innovative approach to training future healthcare leaders. Many rural areas, including the Yakima Valley,…Continue Reading PNWU Dental Dean Discusses Dental Access and Innovation on Yakama Nation Radio

Michael Dean, DMD, Associate Professor of Dentistry Dr. Michael Dean is a dedicated dental professional and educator with a career spanning over three decades. A native of Buckley, Washington, Dr. Dean earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Washington University in St. Louis and completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Medical…Continue Reading Winter 2025 New SDM Team Members

The purpose of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences – School of Dental Medicine (SDM) Leadership Council is to support the school’s mission and vision through education, advancement and philanthropy. The Leadership Council is a group of trusted advisors who represent a wide range of professions and vocations and are committed to the SDM’s…Continue Reading Winter 2025 SDM Leadership Council Spotlight

The Yakima Valley College (YVC) Dental Hygiene Program recently visited PNWU for a campus tour. On two different dates the group, which included junior and senior students, as well as faculty members Ms. Lacey Webber, Ms. Deborah Gould, and Ms. Jaclyn Johnson, had the opportunity to explore the innovative Washington State Dental Association Simulation Lab….Continue Reading Winter 2025 SDM in the Community

Tami Anderson, BASM, Assistant Director of Clinical Operations Tami Anderson was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and grew up in Selah, Washington. After working for several years as a Certified Medical Assistant in a hematology-oncology practice, she decided to go back to college. Her two sons, who were young at the time, were her motivation and…Continue Reading Winter 2025 SDM Team Spotlight

Yakima Valley College Dental Hygiene Program Yakima Valley College has prepared dental hygienists since 1968 and in 2016 transitioned to a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (BASDH) program that is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. The mission of YVC’s program is to educate a group of diverse dental…Continue Reading Winter 2025 SDM Partner Spotlight

Welcome to the School of Dental Medicine’s winter newsletter for 2025. We have had a busy few months since our last update! On December 13th, we sent acceptance offers to applicants for the Class of 2029. I was honored to call each one and share the good news in person. Accepted applicants had until the…Continue Reading Winter 2025 Dean’s Message

The purpose of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences – School of Dental Medicine (SDM) Leadership Council is to support the school’s mission and vision through education, advancement and philanthropy. The Leadership Council is a group of trusted advisors who represent a wide range of professions and vocations and are committed to the SDM’s…Continue Reading Fall 2024 SDM Leadership Council Spotlight

Engaging Young Minds in Dentistry On September 17, 2024, Lolinda Turner, Director of Student Success and Engagement, and Julia Orr, Administrative Assistant at Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine, had the pleasure of attending the STEM like ME explore program at Finely Middle School in Kennewick, WA. Lolinda and Julia demonstrated to 60 seventh…Continue Reading Fall 2024: SDM In the Community

Maxine Janis, RDH, EdD, MPH The highlight tells the story of the origins from which Dr. Maxine Brings Him Back-Janis descends and the valuable assets of knowing her identity as a professional and personally as a member of the Lakota people from the plains of South Dakota.  Dr. Maxine Brings Him Back-Janis grew up in…Continue Reading SDM Team Spotlight: Maxine Janis and Julia Orr