ANN ARBOR—Dr. Norman Betts, School of Dentistry valedictorian in 1986 and former football standout at the University of Michigan, is the new chair of the School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry. Dr. Betts, who will also be an associate professor, earned a master’s degree in oral surgery in 1990.

In making the announcement, Dean William Kotowicz said: “The appointment of someone with Dr. Betts’ record of achievement is possible because of the quality and reputation of the current departmental programs and its faculty.”

Betts has served as chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Residency Program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School, since 1996. He also chaired the oral and maxillofacial surgery program at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in East Orange, N.J., and was chief of service with the Department of Dental Medicine at University Hospital.

“I am particularly appreciative of the outstanding leadership provided by Dr. Joseph Helman in his role as interim chair,” Dean Kotowicz said. “His dedication, commitment, and the responsiveness of faculty and staff have made this early transitional period a success. I want to fully acknowledge the important role Dr. Helman has played. I am personally indebted to Joe and the School and University are grateful for his efforts.”

In Academically, Betts was an All Big Ten Second-Team pick in 1981, a member of the GTE Academic All-American team honoree in 1980 (second team) and 1981 (first team), and winner of a prestigious NCAA postgraduate scholarship. He was also a recipient of a National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Award, presented with Academic All-Big Ten honors on three occasions, and earned the team’s Dr. Arthur D. Robinson Scholarship award.

Betts received his bachelor of science degree summa cum laude with high distinction from the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts in 1982. He was a regional finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, Michigan Angell Scholar, and listed on the Academic Dean’s List.

The U-M School of Dentistry is one of the nation’s leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, and patient care. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction train future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. More information is available on the Web at http://www.dent.umich.edu.

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