OU College of Dentistry Leader Earns Mentor of the Year Honor

Tim Fagan, D.D.S., MS, a clinical professor, chair of the Department of Developmental Sciences and head of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, has been honored as the Ronald A. Bell Mentor of the Year. The award is from the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Criteria for the award include possessing the attributes of a mentor, supporting pediatric dentists in their careers, and leading other pediatric dentists by example. Fagan is active as a mentor for dental students, pediatric dentistry residents and junior faculty members. Watching people grow and thrive is one of the most gratifying aspects of his career, he said.

“Throughout my career, I have been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who guided, coached, encouraged and shaped me, and they instilled in me a powerful lesson: that the blessings and gifts we receive multiply when shared with others,” he said. “Mentoring has allowed me to reciprocate for the rich life I have lived and the generosity I have received, yet it continually rewards me through the invaluable lessons and insights I learn from my mentees.”

Fagan worked in pediatric dentistry private practice in Enid for 30 years, serving as a preceptor for dental students during that time. As a faculty member at the OU College of Dentistry, he has taught numerous pediatric dentistry courses and developed many teaching materials. For the past year, he has helped shepherd the pediatric dentistry residency program, which will receive the $2,500 donation accompanying his honor.

He designed and implemented Infant Oral Health Clinics at the college, a program that provides dental students hands-on training in infant dental care and prevention. He also established senior dental student rotations through Variety Care Pediatric Dental Clinics and the Little Smiles of Norman program at Moore-Norman Technology Center.

He has been active in state service, including serving as a volunteer dentist at Oklahoma Mission of Mercy and Crossings Community Clinic. He also served on the board of directors of Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma. Nationally and internationally, he has been active in numerous organizations, and he is a fellow of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Fagan for receiving this honor,” said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “He embodies the true spirit of mentorship by guiding our students, residents and faculty with integrity and expertise. This recognition is a testament to the lasting impact he has made in the field of pediatric dentistry.”