Three New Faculty Members Join School of Dentistry

The University of Michigan (U-M) School of Dentistry welcomes three new full-time faculty members who specialize in cariology, restorative sciences and oral and maxillofacial surgery. 

Clarissa Fontoura, DDS, PhD, clinical assistant in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, joined the department from Rio de Janeiro, where she worked as a part-time private practitioner and served in the Brazilian Air Force. Her research focuses on investigating the genetic contributors for both normal and abnormal phenotypic variation within the craniofacial complex, according to the college. 

Rodrigo Maia, DDS, PhD, joined the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics as a clinical associate. He served in the Brazilian Air Force and has worked as a part-time private practitioner in Rio de Janeiro.  From 2015 to 2020, he served as a codirector of the Advanced Education Program in Operative Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. His research interests include the interaction of light in dental tissues/biomaterials and developing new ways to achieve restorations with light properties that closely replicate the natural appearance of dental tissues, according to the college. 

Gerardo Romeo, DDS, MBA, was named clinical assistant professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, and director of preclinical oral and maxillofacial surgery. He joins U-M from Northwell Health at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York, where he was the residency program director and division chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the Department of Dental Medicine. He has lectured extensively on cleft lip and palate care, and is passionate about the integration of ethical business practice and principles into dental education.