Dean Murdoch-Kinch has announced the appointment of Juan Yepes DDS, MD, MPH, MS, DrPH, as associate dean of graduate education.

Dr. Yepes is a professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and an attending pediatric dentist at Riley Hospital for Children.

He earned his DDS and MD from Javeriana University at Bogotá, Colombia. In 1999, Dr. Yepes moved to the United States and completed a fellowship in radiology in 2002 at the University of Iowa, followed by a residency and fellowship in oral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 2004. In 2006, Dr. Yepes completed a master’s degree in public health, and in 2011, a doctoral degree in public health, both with an emphasis in epidemiology, at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. In 2008, he graduated from a residency in dental public health at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. Finally, he completed a residency program and a master’s degree in pediatric dentistry at University of Kentucky in 2012.

Dr. Yepes joined the IUSD faculty in 2014. He lectures in radiology, dental public health, oral medicine, and pediatric dentistry. He has mentored more than 70 DDS and advanced graduate students and faculty on their research and PhD or master’s theses.

The College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry named Dr Yepes the Ron Bell Mentor of the Year in 2022. In 2021, the Indiana Dental Association recognized him as best teacher of the year.

As associate dean of graduate education, a role formerly held by Dr. Richard Gregory before his retirement in January 2023, Dr. Yepes will:

• Provide administrative oversight and leadership of IUSD graduate programs leading to certificates and MSD and PhD degrees.
• Enhance the graduate student experience at IUSD through academic, research, and personal support services, offered in collaboration with and in support of the graduate program directors, along with associate dean for research and the associate dean for student affairs and admissions/chief diversity officer.
• Chair the IUSD Graduate Program Directors Committee, IUSD Graduate Student Research Committee, and IUSD Graduate Student Professional Conduct Committee meetings. Represent IUSD at IUPUI Graduate Affairs Committee meetings and other campus initiatives.

“Dr. Yepes is an outstanding educator, clinician, and scholar who has worked extensively with graduate students throughout the course of his more than 30-year career,” said Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “After a highly competitive internal search, Dr. Yepes emerged as the strongest candidate. He has articulated a clear vision and a disciplined approach to identify growth opportunities, enhance the student experience, and build upon our strengths in research, scholarship, and clinical training. His role as associate dean will be as a convener, collaborator, and servant leader.”