Capilouto Steps Down as Dean of UAB School of Dentistry

Dr. Mary Lynne Capilouto, dean of the UAB School of Dentistry, is stepping down from her position. She will remain as dean while the university conducts a search for her successor and then will return to the faculty. Capilouto has served as dean since May 1998, after 15 months as interim dean.

January 15, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Dr. Mary Lynne Capilouto, dean of the UAB School of Dentistry, is stepping down from her position. She will remain as dean while the university conducts a search for her successor and then will return to the faculty. Capilouto has served as dean since May 1998, after 15 months as interim dean.

"Throughout her tenure leading the School of Dentistry, Dr. Capilouto has sought to make the school one of the best in the nation," said UAB President Carol Garrison. "The school has continued to be a leader in education, research and service with Dr. Capilouto at the forefront of this effort."

"It has been very gratifying and an honor to serve as the dean of our School of Dentistry," Capilouto said. "Through the years, I have been able to develop a number of close professional relationships, as well as a number of personal friendships, that I will hold special for life.

"We have an extraordinary student body who demonstrates how bright the future is for the profession. Also, our faculty and staff are extremely dedicated and truly work together to create a world-class teaching, research and patient care institution."

Highlights during Capilouto's tenure include:

  • The graduating class of 2002 ranked third in the nation on the National Dental Board Exam.
  • UAB is the only site in the nation studying oral bone loss as part of the National Institutes of Health's comprehensive study of women's health issues.
  • The faculty and students participate in outreach programs not only in Alabama, but also in developing countries such as Cameroon and Guatemala.
  • The School of Dentistry has received a $10 million renovation and updating of clinical, research and teaching facilities.

Capilouto received her dental degree with honors and the Dean's Medal at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry at UAB in 1977. She completed graduate training in a general practice residency at UAB Hospital, and a dental public health residency and an oral disease epidemiology fellowship at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In 1986, she received a Master of Science degree in Epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health. While at Harvard, she received the James M. Dunning Award for Excellence in Health Care Delivery.

Capilouto served as a consultant for the National Advisory Council on Health Professions Education at the Department of Health and Human Services and the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.