Professor Curtis is a distinguished microbiologist with a robust track record of academic leadership, currently serving as dean of dentistry and deputy vice-principal for health at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL.
Professor Curtis’ current research is focused on the role of the oral microbiome in maintaining oral health and developing disease, and key microbial virulence determinants of oral bacteria. He is a former president of the British Society for Oral and Dental Research, has an honorary fellowship in dental surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England and is a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
He will succeed Professor Dianne Rekow, who retired at the end of 2016, and it is expected he will take up the position at the start of the new academic year.
Professor Sir Robert Lechler, provost health at King’s College London, said, “Professor Curtis’ appointment is an important step for us as we embark on a new university vision and seek to consolidate the Dental Institute’s position as Europe’s most comprehensive centre for dental education, research and patient care.”
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Curtis said, “I am both delighted and honoured to have been appointed as executive dean of the Dental Institute at King’s College London. I look forward to working with all staff and students of the institute and wider university to maintain and enhance the pre-eminence of dentistry at King’s in education, training and research.”
Edward Bryne, president and principal of King’s College London, said, “This year King’s was positioned first in Europe and fourth in the world for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings. I would like to pay tribute to Professor Rekow’s role in achieving this during her many years of dedicated service to King’s, and under whose leadership and vision the Dental Institute has gone from strength to strength. I would also like to acknowledge Professor Mark Woolford who has skilfully led the faculty through this period of change as the interim executive dean.”