As she honors her grandfather’s memory, Student Doctor Ale Gonzalez prepares to fulfill her lifelong desire to help those in need as a member of our inaugural School of Dental Medicine class. By Ale Gonzalez, PNWU-SDM Class of 2029 My journey towards dentistry has been anything but straightforward. My initial foray into the medical field…Continue Reading Beyond the Promise
In Yakima, a growing alliance between education and community health takes center stage On June 16, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) welcomed members of the Delta Dental of Washington Board of Directors to its Yakima campus for a landmark gathering inside the newly constructed Delta Dental Equity Hall. The visit served as both…Continue Reading Delta Dental of Washington Board Visits PNWU, Deepening Partnership to Expand Access to Dental Care Across the Northwest
On May 5, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS) broke ground on a new dental clinic that is poised to transform both dental education and access to care in rural and underserved communities across the Pacific Northwest. The two-story, 15,220 sq. ft. facility — located in Yakima’s Terrace…Continue Reading PNWU and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services Break Ground on New Dental Clinic to Train Next Generation of Dentists
A quarterly update from the School of Dental Medicine. In this issue: Dean’s Message Welcome to the first edition of our 2025 quarterly newsletter series! It is hard to believe we are only three months away from welcoming our inaugural class of 36 students. The SDM team has been extremely busy preparing for our students,…Continue Reading SDM Spring 2025 Newsletter
“Please, Call Me Foti” Dr. Fotinos Panagakos doesn’t go by that title. Instead, as he reaches out to shake hands, his first words are often a humble request: “Please, call me Foti.” A proud son of Greek immigrants (his father arrived in America in the 1950s), the name “Foti” was perfectly cast for Dr. Panagakos’…Continue Reading Meet Foti, Dean of PNWU’s Innovative New Dental School
On Wednesday, March 26, Dr. Fotinos Panagakos, founding dean of PNWU’s School of Dental Medicine (SDM), joined Yakama Nation Radio (1490 AM) to discuss his innovative new program, the urgent need for dental care in rural and underserved communities, and PNWU’s innovative approach to training future healthcare leaders. Many rural areas, including the Yakima Valley,…Continue Reading PNWU Dental Dean Discusses Dental Access and Innovation on Yakama Nation Radio
Michael Dean, DMD, Associate Professor of Dentistry Dr. Michael Dean is a dedicated dental professional and educator with a career spanning over three decades. A native of Buckley, Washington, Dr. Dean earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Washington University in St. Louis and completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Medical…Continue Reading Winter 2025 New SDM Team Members
The purpose of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences – School of Dental Medicine (SDM) Leadership Council is to support the school’s mission and vision through education, advancement and philanthropy. The Leadership Council is a group of trusted advisors who represent a wide range of professions and vocations and are committed to the SDM’s…Continue Reading Winter 2025 SDM Leadership Council Spotlight
The Yakima Valley College (YVC) Dental Hygiene Program recently visited PNWU for a campus tour. On two different dates the group, which included junior and senior students, as well as faculty members Ms. Lacey Webber, Ms. Deborah Gould, and Ms. Jaclyn Johnson, had the opportunity to explore the innovative Washington State Dental Association Simulation Lab….Continue Reading Winter 2025 SDM in the Community
Tami Anderson, BASM, Assistant Director of Clinical Operations Tami Anderson was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and grew up in Selah, Washington. After working for several years as a Certified Medical Assistant in a hematology-oncology practice, she decided to go back to college. Her two sons, who were young at the time, were her motivation and…Continue Reading Winter 2025 SDM Team Spotlight