On July 1, Nadeem Karimbux, (shown, courtesy TuftsNow) an accomplished dental educator, researcher, clinician, and leader, shifted into his new role as the seventeenth dean of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. As dean, Karimbux will oversee the school’s community of more than 900 students and residents, 450 faculty, including 200 volunteer faculty, 300 staff, and 8,600 alumni, according to TuftsNow.

Karimbux has been the associate dean for academic affairs and a professor of periodontology at the School of Dental Medicine since 2012. His career spanning more than 25 years has focused on dental education, research, and clinical care.

In a recent interview with Tufts Now, the university’s site for news, events, photography, videos, and more, Karimbux explained his thoughts on mentoring:

Mentorship has been something that has been critical to my development. While I was at Harvard, I was lucky enough to work with a mentor, the dean of dental education, who gave me a lot of responsibility as a junior faculty member. I learned from my mistakes, but was also exposed to things that allowed me to develop.

I believe mentoring for students and faculty is a critical part of what we do. Ever since I’ve been at Tufts, I’ve had a cohort of four students per year that I mentor. Setting aside time to be with those students, to have dinner with them, and to listen to their stories is critical for me to understand. When they come to me to work on a research project or get some advice about career, I see the impact that you can have as a mentor.

I also work with faculty one on one, whether it’s on a new course or working on research projects. It’s allowed me to appreciate the growth that you can give to junior faculty when you spend that kind of time with them.

Nadeem Karimbux

Read more about his personal journal and hopes for the School of Dental Medicine in the article by Helene Ragovin: https://now.tufts.edu/articles/conversation-school-dental-medicine-s-new-dean