Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) seeks a visionary leader with a global outlook to serve as the next Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry.
Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong has attained pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university, comprising 36,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and more than 8,500 full-time professoriate, academic and professional services staff. Through upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research pursuits, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community, HKU is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 26th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, 2nd in the 2024 QS Asia University Rankings 2024, and #1 most international university in the world in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. More information about HKU can be found at https://hku.hk/.
The Faculty
The HKU Faculty of Dentistry is one of the premier dental schools in the world, with achievements consistently recognized to be among the top three dentistry programmes globally. As the only degree-granting dental school in Hong Kong, HKU Dentistry provides rigorous and up-to-date internationally benchmarked programmes leading to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. HKU Dentistry has grown significantly over the years to support research and knowledge exchange activities in oral health sciences locally, regionally and internationally. The Faculty’s clinical programmes are conducted at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, the Institute for Advanced Dentistry, and in close collaboration with several affiliated hospitals in Hong Kong. The Faculty features an array of strategic research themes which include Clinical Artificial Intelligence, Craniofacial Regeneration, Microbiome Innovation, Oral Cancer, and Population Oral Health.
In view of the growing demand for dental services in the city as well as strong public initiatives to promote clinical research and collaboration across the Hong Kong–Macau–Guangdong Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Faculty can look forward to significant opportunities for expansion. These include increased intake of students from beyond Hong Kong, potential expansion of clinical services through the establishment of clinic networks or a new dental hospital for student training and clinical research, and strengthening of collaborative linkages in the surrounding area.
More information about the HKU Faculty of Dentistry can be found at https://facdent.hku.hk/.
The Dean
Candidates for the role of Dean should demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation in education and research, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration;
- Distinguished academic credentials and international recognition for achievement in research, teaching, knowledge exchange and/or professional clinical practice;
- A record of leadership accomplishment in complex settings, including management of human and finance resources, budgeting, and fundraising;
- The ability to inspire and lead a Faculty with diverse interests, effectively engaging a range of stakeholders;
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work cross-culturally;
- Exceptional team leadership experience with the ability to build relationships at all levels to strengthen cohesion across a Faculty with diverse interests, motiving colleagues and creating synergies among the Faculty’s divisions and across the University; and
- Experience in hospital leadership is an advantage.
The Dean is expected to provide capable and inspired academic and strategic leadership, with a clear vision for the future growth and impact of the Faculty of Dentistry both locally and globally. He/She will cultivate a supportive research environment, commit to excellence in education, foster a collegial culture within the Faculty, and carry through new strategies for the Faculty in alignment with the mission, overall vision and strategic plan of the University. He/She will also be responsible for strengthening and expanding ties with the community.
Apart from undertaking all executive functions which include overall managerial, full budgetary and fund-raising responsibilities on a full-time basis for the Faculty, the Dean of Dentistry will also serve as Director of the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, the teaching hospital for the Faculty. He/She will report to the University’s Senior Management Team via the Provost. The post of Dean is initially offered on a 5-year term, with the possibility of renewal thereafter.
Nominations and Applications
HKU has retained Perrett Laver Ltd, an executive search firm, to assist with the search for the next Dean. All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications (including resume and letter of interest responding to the requirements outlined in the position profile) should be directed in confidence to kenneth.chan@perrettlaver.com or kieran.pollentine@perrettlaver.com.
Review of nominations and applications will continue until the post is filled.
The University of Hong Kong is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity, and transparency.
