Nova Southeastern Names New Dental College Dean
The appointment of Dr. Andres Pinto signals a potential shift in clinical training and integration for local practice owners.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
Nova Southeastern University has named Dr. Andres Pinto as the new dean of its College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Pinto will also lead oral health integration efforts at the Fort Lauderdale institution, bringing 27 years of academic and administrative experience to the role starting early next year.
Why it matters
For dental practice owners and healthcare operators, the appointment signals a shift in the university's leadership direction for clinical training and research. Changes at the helm of academic health programs often influence future talent pipelines and regional clinical care standards.
Dr. Pinto brings 27 years of experience in healthcare administration and academics to his new role. He has authored over 100 refereed papers and abstracts while acting as a principal or co-principal investigator on more than 35 research grants.
The players
Dr. Andres Pinto
An academic and clinical administrator with 27 years of experience and a background in dental surgery and medicine.
Nova Southeastern University
A private research university based in Fort Lauderdale that operates a College of Dental Medicine.
MetroHealth System
A public health system in Ohio where Dr. Pinto currently manages clinical operations for dental medicine.
Case Western Reserve University
A private research university in Cleveland where Dr. Pinto serves as associate dean of graduate studies.
The details
Dr. Pinto will transition from his current role as vice-chair for clinical operations at the MetroHealth System Department of Dental Medicine in Cleveland. In addition to his dean responsibilities, he will oversee oral health integration at the university. His background includes serving as associate dean of graduate studies at Case Western Reserve University, preparing him to manage the clinical and academic functions of the college.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Nova Southeastern University announced Dr. Pinto's appointment.
January 2, 2027: Dr. Pinto joins Nova Southeastern University.
Market Landscape
Dr. Pinto's dual appointment as dean and director of oral health integration aligns with the broader academic trend of blending dental clinical training with systemic medical care. This administrative structure mirrors an industry-wide push to elevate dental colleges from isolated units into centers of integrated primary healthcare.
Local practitioners should monitor shifts in the university's clinical training programs, which often dictate the skills and availability of the local dental workforce. Keeping a pulse on these leadership transitions helps operators identify potential partnerships for clinical research or recruitment needs.
The takeaway
The appointment of an experienced clinician-administrator suggests Nova Southeastern University may prioritize clinical integration and research output in coming years. Operators should watch for forthcoming announcements regarding the university's specific research priorities to identify potential collaboration opportunities.
Further reading
For more news on leadership changes in the region, visit our People section.
