Dr. Walter Siqueira DDS, MBA, PhD, FICD, FCAHS

Dr. Walter L. Siqueira, DDS, MBA, PhD, FCAHS, is Dean and Tenured Full Professor at the College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada. As Dean, he serves as both the chief academic officer and chief executive officer of the College, leading its academic, research, clinical, financial, and strategic operations. He is also Chair of the Canadian Association of Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) Deans Committee.

Since his appointment as Dean, Dr. Siqueira has led significant advances in financial sustainability, research growth, infrastructure modernization, student success, and faculty and staff engagement. Under his leadership, the College has strengthened its national and international reputation in oral health education, research, and innovation. Notably, he led the historic $24-million renewal and modernization of the College of Dentistry's teaching clinics and simulation facilities, representing the largest infrastructure investment in the College's history. He also spearheaded the development and implementation of several transformative academic initiatives, including the first DMD/MBA program in Canada, the first Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy in Canada, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene that are unique in their operation time (from 5 pm to 10 pm) and new graduate training opportunities through MSc and PhD programs, significantly expanding the College's educational and research capacity.

In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Siqueira directs the Salivary Proteomics Research Laboratory. His internationally recognized research program focuses on salivary proteomics, oral-systemic health, diagnostics, and the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. His research has been supported by numerous national and international funding agencies, including CIHR, NSERC, CFI, SHRF, the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, FAPESP, and industry partnerships.

Dr. Siqueira’s work integrates clinical and basic sciences, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge translation. He has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications, accumulated over 10,000 citations, maintains an h-index of 56, and has secured more than $12.5 million in research funding. His scientific contributions have led to over 70 invited lectures and keynote presentations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

Recognized internationally as a leader in salivary research, oral health innovation, and dental education, Dr. Siqueira has received numerous prestigious awards, including the W.W. Wood Award for Excellence in Dental Education, the IADR Salivary Researcher of the Year Award, the CIHR New Investigator Salary Award, the Faculty Scholar distinction from Western University, and the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award. In 2021, he was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (FCAHS), one of Canada’s highest honours in the health sciences.

Through his contributions to research innovation, mentorship, institutional leadership, and the advancement of oral health education, Dr. Siqueira has established himself as a leading figure in Canadian and international dentistry. His work continues to strengthen the global impact of Canadian oral health research while training the next generation of oral health professionals, scientists, and academic leaders.