Dear James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine alumni and friends,
As we reflect on this year’s Homecoming weekend, several moments highlighted the strength and direction of our college. The oyster roast and Lowcountry barbecue Feb. 28 were more than social events. The evening provided meaningful opportunities for alumni, their families and current faculty to reconnect and strengthen relationships that make our dental community thrive. The conversations and camaraderie served as reminders that the bonds formed here extend well beyond graduation.
The Dean’s Advisory Council met in person for the first time. It is chaired by Dr. Jim Howell, D.M.D., vice chairs include Dr. Rick Dhillon, D.M.D., and Dr. Benetta Bell, D.M.D., and the secretary and treasurer is Dr. Perry Stamatiades, D.M.D. We are grateful to all the council members.
We were pleased to introduce continuing education courses from our faculty specifically for practicing dentists. Dr. Fabio Rizzante, D.D.S., Ph.D., associate professor and assistant dean for innovation, shared practical tips for leveraging advanced restorative materials and digital workflows.
We also previewed upcoming continuing education offerings in 2026.
Homecoming weekend also included an alumni board meeting, a memorial service thoughtfully organized by Dr. Charles Bumgardner, Class of 1986, class reunions, and I was delighted Saturday morning to provide a strategic update on the college’s initiatives to advance educational innovation, increase access to care and prepare the next generation of oral health professionals.
We are deeply grateful for the pride that our alumni continue to take in the college. We are pleased to expand many of these relationships well beyond their time here. Together, we continue to strengthen a professional community grounded in excellence, collaboration and purpose.
Sincerely,
Sarandeep Huja, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Dean, MUSC James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine
Sarandeep S. Huja
Dean & Professor, James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine
Sarandeep S. Huja, D.D.S., Ph.D., has served as professor of the Department of Orthodontics and dean of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) since October 2017.
Dr. Huja initially received his dental (1987) and orthodontic (1992) training from the Government Dental College and Hospital, Bombay. From 1993 to 2001, he was associated with three U.S. institutions, receiving his Master of Science (1995) from Marquette University, his Doctor of Philosophy in Dental Science (1999) and Orthodontic Certificate (1999) from Indiana University, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (2001) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. His Ph.D. was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. David Burr from the Department of Anatomy and Dr. W. Eugene Roberts in Orthodontics from Indiana University. From 2001 to 2011, he served as faculty at the Ohio State University, working under the mentorship of Dr. Katherine Vig, a world-renowned orthodontist and educator. In 2011, he joined the University of Kentucky as chief of the Division of Orthodontics. In 2016, he was appointed the program director of Orthodontics and associate dean for Faculty and Student Development and Graduate Studies at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Huja has served as advisor for both the Ph.D. and Master's graduate students and taught Orthodontics and Bone Biology to dental and graduate students. His research seeks to understand bone remodeling, osteoclast biology, and adaptation to physical forces, including tooth movement. His students have been recognized with national awards for projects related to tooth movement and implant adaptation biology. He also served as the president of the Craniofacial Biology Group of the International Association of Dental Research.
At MUSC, Dr. Huja has worked on the expansion of off-peninsula oral and dental clinics at Ryan White and in West Ashley and Summerville. He also recently moved the college to an integrated electronic health record system, Epic Wisdom, and is focusing the college's attention on rural expansion throughout the state and integration into MUSC Health facilities.
Dr. Huja is a member of the Midwest component of the E.H. Angle Society and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He also maintains an intramural faculty practice.
