Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., M.S., was appointed dean of The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in July 2004. She was appointed interim dean of The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in September 2002. She is professor, former chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, adjunct member of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, and director of the surgical oral and maxillofacial pathology service at the school. She maintains an intramural practice treating children and adults with a wide range of oral health problems. Her dental care outreach efforts include involvement in the Bering-Omega Foundation Dental Clinic which is an HIV-dedicated clinic for indigent adults as well as annual visits to Romania to care for the HIV-infected orphans.

Dr. Flaitz earned her dental degree from Creighton University and received specialty certification and a Master of Science degree in pediatric dentistry followed by specialty certification in oral and maxillofacial pathology from The University of Iowa. She is board certified in oral and maxillofacial pathology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Previous experience includes appointments at Creighton University, The University of Iowa, The University of Colorado, as well as seven years in pediatric dentistry private practice in Denver, Colorado.

Currently, Dr. Flaitz serves on the executive council of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and is a consultant for the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation for Advanced Specialty Education Programs. She is a member of the Grants and Fellowship Committee and the President's Circle, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and serves on the Clinical Investigation and Abstract Committee, American Academy of Oral Medicine. Dr. Flaitz is on the editorial boards of Pediatric Dentistry, Journal of Dentistry for Children, and the American Journal of Dentistry. Some of her memberships include the American Dental Association and its component organizations, American Dental Education Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Association for Dental Research, American College of Dentists and the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Dr. Flaitz has been a recipient of numerous teaching, journalism, and research awards from a variety of institutions and professional organizations. Her primary research focus is the pathogenesis and management of oral diseases, in particular in HIV-infected children and adults. She has received continuous grant support in this field from industry and, as a co-investigator, from NIH/NIDCR. Dr. Flaitz' contribution to the dental and medical literature has been significant. She is the author of over 190 journal articles, 15 book chapters and 1 color atlas.