Western University of Health Sciences College of Dentistry Dean named to prestigious national American Dental Association Commission

POMONA, Calif. – August 8, 2007 – The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation has elected Western University of Health Sciences College of Dentistry Dean James Koelbl to a one-year term as vice chairman. The term runs from October 2007 to October 2008. Dean Koelbl also has been elected as chair of the American Dental Education Association/American Association of Dental Research National Oral Health Advocacy Committee, a two-year term that runs from May 2007 through May 2009. It is a legislative group that reports to the boards of both organizations. "I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve in these leadership roles at this important time," Dean Koelbl said. "In many ways, the goals of both the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the National Oral Health Advocacy Committee are similar. While both organizations approach the issues from different directions, their ultimate goal is to improve the quality of dental education and research, and thus to ultimately improve the quality and availability of oral health care to the people in this country." Dean Koelbl said he appreciates the willingness of the leadership of Western University of Health Sciences, in particular President Philip Pumerantz and Provost/COO Benjamin L. Cohen, DO, to encourage and support his active involvement in those two dental organizations. Prior to joining Western University, Dr. Koelbl since 1999 had served as dean of West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Prior to that, he was Associate Executive Director of Chicago’s American Dental Association. Dr. Koelbl did his undergraduate work at John Carroll University in Ohio, a DDS degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, a Masters of Science in Oral Biology from Loyola University Graduate School, and a Masters of Jurisprudence in Health Law from Loyola University School of Law. Dr. Koelbl is married to Dr. Joan Sandell, also a dentist. The couple has six adult children and three grandchildren, and reside in Claremont, Calif.