Leadership
Pia Chaterjee Kirk, DDS
Dean of the School of Dentistry
Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk began serving as dean of the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry on January 5, 2026 after one and half years in the interim dean role.
Kirk earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and completed a general dentistry residency at UMMC. She also holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi.
Kirk joined the School of Dentistry faculty in 2001 and has spent more than two decades in dental education, clinical care and academic leadership. Her leadership roles within the school have included chair and vice chair of the Department of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences, division chief of the Operative Clinic and director of continuing education programs. She has also served as group care director of the Comprehensive General Dentistry Clinic.
Kirk has been recognized for her contributions to dental education, clinical care and community advocacy. She was the first in Mississippi to be selected for the American Dental Association Leadership Institute. She has received honors including the Outstanding Faculty Award from the American College of Dentists and the Shining Star Award from the Group of Women in Medicine and Science.
Her commitment to community care includes her long-standing service with the Jackson Free Clinic and other outreach programs through the School of Dentistry. She has also provided clinical services for a range of patients including those with special needs and sports injuries.