Dr. Fariba Younai Installed as Bob and Marion Wilson Endowed Chair

Dr. Fariba Younai, sitting
Among her many accomplishments since joining the School’s faculty in 1997, Dr. Younai directs its oral health services to people living with HIV and AIDS, securing nearly $14M in funding through the Ryan White Care Act since 2014.
December 5, 2023

Fariba Younai, D.D.S., Chair of the UCLA School of Dentistry’s Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, has been selected as the new Bob and Marion Wilson Endowed Chair.

“This prestigious appointment reflects Dr. Younai’s outstanding contributions to the discipline of oral medicine, dedication to research and community service, and commitment to academic excellence,” said School of Dentistry Dean Paul H. Krebsbach.

The UCLA School of Dentistry created this endowed chair in 2013 with a $1 million endowment to honor longtime supporters Bob and Marion Wilson for the immeasurable generosity they demonstrated to the school during their lifetimes. Dr. Younai succeeds Dr. Earl Freymiller, who held the chair over the past decade until his retirement in June.

The purpose of this endowed chair is to support the teaching, research, and public service activities of a distinguished faculty member who has demonstrated leadership in predoctoral dental education and/or postgraduate program education with consistently excellent outcomes. The chairholder should also maintain a proven track record in community service.

“I am honored and will strive to live up to the spirit and true intent of this endowed chair position,” said Dr. Younai. “I feel very fortunate to be at this institution and serve alongside colleagues who share my passion and commitment to excellence in education and service, and who push me to be better every day.”

Among her many accomplishments since joining the School’s faculty in 1997, Dr. Younai directs its oral health services to people living with HIV and AIDS, securing nearly $14M in funding through the Ryan White Care Act since 2014, enabling more than 57,000 patient visits. Aligning with this advocacy work, Dr. Younai served on the LA County Commission on HIV from 2002 to 2016, co-chairing its Standards of Care Committee. She has also published extensive research in this space.

As an educator, Dr. Younai’s teaching portfolio includes courses that focus on the interplay among systemic diseases and oral health, oral diseases and their pharmacological management, and patient assessment.

“I am pleased that the Wilsons’ memory will continue to be honored by Dr. Younai’s outstanding work and contributions. Dr. Younai fully embodies the spirit of this prestigious chair,” added Dr. Krebsbach.