Category: SDM News

PNWU School of Dental Medicine Celebrates Inaugural Professionalism Ceremony

The annual tradition celebrates the values that will guide PNWU’s future dentists. On Friday, August 22, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) marked a historic milestone as the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) hosted its inaugural Professionalism Ceremony. The event, hosted at the Yakima Convention Center, celebrated the SDM Class of 2029, symbolizing their…Continue Reading PNWU School of Dental Medicine Celebrates Inaugural Professionalism Ceremony

PNWU Students Participate in Trauma-Informed Care Conference

Dental students from Pacific Northwest University recently joined the Yakama Nation Behavioral Health Services’ Seventh Annual Trauma-Informed Care Conference, gaining valuable lessons in compassion, resilience, and community engagement. “This approach allowed students to apply their knowledge through active participation in real-world health issues.” “As part of my Community Health course in the School of Dental…Continue Reading PNWU Students Participate in Trauma-Informed Care Conference

SDM Summer 2025 Newsletter

A quarterly update from the School of Dental Medicine. In this issue: Dean’s Message Greetings and welcome to our quarterly newsletter! A lot has happened since our first issue of 2025. The inaugural class started orientation on July 28 and classes on August 4 – an exciting, busy, and perhaps a little stressful time here…Continue Reading SDM Summer 2025 Newsletter

Beyond the Promise

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

Delta Dental of Washington Board Visits PNWU, Deepening Partnership to Expand Access to Dental Care Across the Northwest

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

PNWU and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services Break Ground on New Dental Clinic to Train Next Generation of Dentists

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

SDM Spring 2025 Newsletter

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

Meet Foti, Dean of PNWU’s Innovative New Dental School

“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

PNWU Dental Dean Discusses Dental Access and Innovation on Yakama Nation Radio

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

Winter 2025 New SDM Team Members

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