UTHSC promotes former UAB staffer Ken Tilashalski to dean of key college

The College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) has selected a new dean. 

UTHSC announced on April 22 that Ken Tilashalski, DMD, is set to become the new College of Dentistry dean on July 1. 

James Ragain, DDS, Ph.D., who has served as dean of the College of Dentistry since 2018, will become dean emeritus and plans to continue to work on the $53 million Healthy Smiles Initiative.

Tilashalski joined UTHSC as the college's associate dean in September, after more than 12 years as the associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Tilashalski holds a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree from Southern Illinois University and completed his residencies at UAB, where he later served as an assistant, associate, and then full professor over three decades.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Tilashalski will lead our outstanding College of Dentistry into its bright future,” UTHSC chancellor Peter Buckley said in a news release. “A nationwide search identified a stellar leader, who not only knows the college and our university, but also brings an abundance of national knowledge and experience to the role.”

Since being at UTHSC, Tilashalski has coordinated the preparations for the college's 2025 Commission on Dental Accreditation site visit, as well as played a role in the development of the college's new strategic plan. His focus has also been directed at increasing student enrollment and opening new clinics via the Healthy Smiles Initiative.

“We have a unique opportunity to build on the Healthy Smiles Initiative to improve the lives of the citizens of Tennessee across the state," Tilashalski said in the release. "Dean Ragain has left a fantastic foundation for our future, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our outstanding faculty and staff, dedicated alumni, and statewide partners to do this important work.”

During his time as dean, Regain oversaw the opening of the $45 million Delta Dental of Tennessee building and the launch of the Healthy Smiles Initiative. UTHSC's College of Dentistry trains 75% of Tennessee's dentists, according to the university. Founded in 1878, the College of Dentistry is the third-oldest public university college of dentistry in the nation.