Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS
Dean of College of Dental Medicine, Professor
College of Dental Medicine
- 2008 - Present Tricounty Dental Society
- 1992 - Present American Dental Association
- 1992 - Present California Dental Association
- 1992 - 2005 Yosemite Dental Association
- 2004 - Present American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathologists- Fellow
- 2008 - Present American Dental Education Association
- 2008 - Present Southern California Academy of Oral Pathology – Board Member
Dr. Elizabeth Andrews is a native of Southern California and obtained a BA in biology from California State University, Northridge followed by her DDS degree from University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. She practiced general dentistry for 10 years in Merced, California and completed her specialty training and master’s degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill. While attending UNC, she participated in an interprofessional training program as a clinical research scholar.
Dr. Andrews joined WesternU CDM in 2008 during its infancy. She served as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the IPE Implementation Liaison for the College of Dental Medicine from 2011 to 2022. As the CDM IPE Liaison, Dr. Andrews coauthored and developed an IP simulated standardized patient activity aimed at nine health professions, utilizing the IPEC Core Competencies which resulted in publication in two nationally acclaimed publications and multiple presentations.
Dr. Andrews was integral in developing the Office of Academic Affairs, managing staff and faculty while providing oversight of the burgeoning curriculum to ensure student and programmatic success. She served the college and the institution in many capacities including membership on seven CDM committees, four as chair, and on three WesternU committees which include the University Curriculum Committee and University Assessment Committee. Dr. Andrews also led the college to successfully complete two accreditation site visits as chair of the CDM Accreditation Steering Committee.
Nationally, Dr. Andrews served as the chair for the ADEA Women in Leadership Section and helped establish a leadership development program, free to all ADEA members. Dr. Andrews has been teaching Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology in her faculty role since 2009. Dr. Andrews’ research interests include HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the impact of Interprofessional Collaborative Care. After serving 11 years as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, she was appointed to serve in 2022 as the Dean for the College of Dental Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences.