Dr. Jessica Owens Appointed Assistant Dean for Student Services
Accomplished periodontist and academic administrator joins UCLA from the UNLV School of Dental Medicine
The UCLA School of Dentistry is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Owens, D.M.D., M.A., as assistant dean for Student Services, effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Owens joins UCLA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Dental Medicine, where she most recently served as associate professor-in-residence and associate dean for academic affairs. In this role, she led curriculum innovation, student progress initiatives, and interprofessional education. A board-certified periodontist, Dr. Owens has also held academic leadership positions at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Dentistry, including director of Pre-doctoral Periodontics and chair of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Task Force.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Owens to UCLA,” said Dr. Paul H. Krebsbach, dean and professor. “Her dedication to student-centered education and depth of experience in academic leadership make her an ideal fit to lead our Office of Student Services. I am confident she will make an immediate and lasting impact on our students and our school.
As Assistant Dean of Student Services, Dr. Owens will oversee a wide range of initiatives that support the academic and professional development of students across all programs. The Office of Student Services manages admissions, financial aid, course registration, and key student-facing programs, including the annual first-year orientation, white coat ceremony, and commencement, plus wellness and career counseling, peer tutoring, disability accommodations, and travel support.
Dr. Owens earned her D.M.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry before completing postgraduate training in periodontology and general dentistry at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry, and an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from LSU.
“I am truly delighted to join the UCLA School of Dentistry as the Assistant Dean of Student Services. I feel privileged to work in dental education and am excited to be part of this vibrant academic community, supporting the success of our current and future student body. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and faculty and collaborating with all members of the UCLA dental team as we continue to build upon the strong foundation of excellence and innovation," said Dr. Owens.