Ruhl to serve as chair of oral biology

Stefan Ruhl, professor in the School of Dental Medicine, has been named chair of the Department of Oral Biology.

Ruhl will assume his new role on March 14. He succeeds Ashu Sharma, professor of oral biology, who has been acting as interim chair since January 2023.

“Dr. Ruhl, a prominent researcher who has provided many years of teaching and service to UB, will shape the future of the department and build upon its legacy as a preeminent center of oral health research,” Marcelo Araujo, dean of the dental school, said in announcing the appointment.

A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Ruhl is an internationally renowned expert on saliva, oral bacteria and the oral microbiome.

He joined UB in 2007 from the University of Regensburg, where he was a professor of operative dentistry and periodontology. He has served in various capacities in the dental school, including associate chair and acting chair of the Department of Oral Biology from 2019-21 and interim dean from 2022-23.

The department organized the first PhD program in oral biology in the United States in 1963. Since then, the PhD program has produced a large cadre of oral health researchers, many of whom have made significant contributions to dental research, medicine and education.

The department’s research achievements have catapulted the school into the top 10 dental institutions in the U.S. to receive NIH research funding.

“Dr. Ruhl’s vision and breadth of experience in oral biology and the dental school will be pivotal for the department to achieve future successes that align with the school’s goals and the university’s top 25 ambition,” Araujo noted.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Sharma for his leadership as interim chair. Dr. Sharma’s sacrifices and guidance have been instrumental in maintaining the department’s stability and progress. We are thankful for his steadfast commitment and service.”