Marcia Campos named Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Marcia Campos, DDS, MS, PhD is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs effective August 25, 2025.

Campos earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2001, a Master of Science in Biological Sciences in 2004, a PhD in Oral Pathology in 2008 and a Certificate in Oral Pathology in 2010. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan in 2009. Campos worked as a general dentist and an oral pathologist for 10 years in her private practice while also teaching and engaging in research at three universities in Brazil.

Campos has experience supervising predoctoral and graduate students and has received several awards for teaching and mentoring throughout her career. A great part of her research was dedicated to the study of oral biofilms and oral diseases, especially oral cancer, with several peer-reviewed published papers, including cover pages of important research journals. Recently, her research focus has shifted to cariology, educational research (including AI as a learning and assessment tool), interprofessional education and practice (IPE/IPC), student wellbeing and holistic approaches. Prior to joining the University of Minnesota, Dr. Campos taught at the University of Iowa and the University of Michigan, where she participated in several committees related to student support and education.

Campos has served in leadership positions associated with IPE/IPC, wellbeing and the Global Initiatives Program, where she co-led a trip to Honduras. She was the director of the Mental Health Program at the University of Michigan, where she implemented a pioneer program that aimed to support and promote mental health and wellbeing among faculty, staff and students. She was inducted into the American College of Dentists in 2024 and graduated from the ADEA Leadership Institute, where she was elected class representative, in 2025. She is now a member of the ADEA–LI Board of Alumni Association.

Campos assumes the role from Karl Self, DDS, MBA, who has served as Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs since 2022. He will remain in his role as associate professor and director of the Division of Dental Therapy.

“Dr. Self has been an excellent leader over the past three years, and I am grateful for his hard work and dedication,” reflected Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, in an email announcing the appointment to the school community. “Please join me in welcoming Dr. Campos to the school and this role, and thanking Dr. Self for his service.”