Bruce Donoff, DMD, MD, the dean of Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), announced that he will step down from his position effective January 1, 2020. Donoff, who has served as dean for 28 years, plans to transition to a role on the faculty after January 1.

“It has been an honor leading the School and having had the opportunity to work with incredibly talented faculty, students and staff, all of whom are dedicated to improving human health and advancing our mission,” Donoff said.

“I’m grateful to have had a career that allowed me to treat patients, educate students and advance research, all while being an administrator. It’s rare for a dean to have that opportunity, and I am truly fortunate,” he added.

Earlier in his career, Donoff led Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as chair and chief of service, becoming the first Walter C. Guralnick Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. A 1967 graduate of Harvard School of Dental Medicine and a 1973 graduate of Harvard Medical School (HMS), he returned to Harvard in 1991 when he was appointed dean of HSDM.

A search for Donoff’s successor will be led by George Daley, dean of Harvard Medical School.