Dean, School of Dentistry
2008
Bio:
Dr. Steiman formally retired from full-time administration of the School of Dentistry on June 30, 2008. Dr. Steiman’s forty years of service to the University’s School of Dentistry began as a lecturer and laboratory Instructor in the Department of Physiology and culminated with the Deanship appointment. To prepare him for the Deanship, Dr. Steiman honed his administrative and leadership skills when he served as the Chairman of the Department of Physiology, Chairman of the Department of Endodontics, Director of Graduate Endodontics, and Interim Dean of the School of Dentistry. Simultaneously, Dr. Steiman earned the academic ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and full Professor.
As an educator, Dr. Steiman was honored four times by the university dental students with the “Award of Appreciation for Teaching.” Prior to becoming Dean, Dr. Steiman directed students’ theses for twenty consecutive years and, in some years, multiple theses. His teaching responsibilities during the same period included Physiology, Endodontics, Preclinical Endodontics, and Professional Ethics Development.
Two School of Dentistry faculty leaders, described Dr. Steiman’s time as Dean in this way: “he trusted people who were in leadership positions in the School, he allowed for the growth of the junior faculty, he had an open door policy where he was always willing to listen, and because he moved up the ranks within the School from faculty member to Dean, he knew what it was like to be one of the faculty. This background experience gave him a solid understanding of the struggles the faculty faced.” In addition, it was observed that he worked hard and was successful in bringing back the alumni to support the school. One of these faculty leaders also emphatically stated, “A straight shooter and a person of integrity – that’s Dean Steiman.”
This view of Dr. Steiman is further articulated in letters of support for his nomination as Dean Emeritus. One writer noted “He is a man of uncompromised integrity, loyalty and vision. I have worked on many projects with him over the years while depending on his word that it will be done. It always is done! His word is his bond.”
Dr. Steiman’s career is best summarized in another support letter “As a life-long educator, scientist and administrator, Bob is a model for all young endodontist-scientists as well as for individuals who aspire to be a Dean. His honesty, integrity and true candidness about education and endodontics are his trademark.”
Dr. Steiman has an earned B.S. from North Dakota State University, Fargo, a M.S. and Ph.D. from Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, a Doctor of Dental Science (D.D.S.) from University of Detroit, Detroit, School of Dentistry, and a M.S.D. and Certificate in Endodontics from Indiana University, School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. He hold both a Specialty Licensure and State Licensure in the state of Michigan.
Many honors have been earned by Dr. Steiman. He was selected for Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists, and the American College of Stomatologic Surgeons. He was the 2002 Alumnus of the Year, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry; and given a Testimonial Dinner by the Michigan Association of Endodontists.
His work with dental professional associations has been prolific. He served as Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect, and President of Nu Nu Chapter, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Michigan Dental Association Special Committee on Licensure, President, Michigan Association of Endodontists, Chairman, Michigan Council of Dental Specialty Presidents, and Program Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and President-Elect, Michigan Association of Endodontists. Nationally, he served on the Conference Program Committees, Endodontic Outcomes Assessment Ad Hoc Committee, Continuing Education Committee Long-Range Planning Committee, Research and Scientific Affairs Committee (Chairman) and Education Affairs Committee of the American Association of Endodontics. He was also the Director, American Board of Endodontists (1996-2001).
Dr. Steiman’s contributions to the School of Dentistry during his tenure on the faculty are numerous. He served on Curriculum, Curriculum Design, Planning, Quality Assurance, Graduate Education, Continuing Education, Self-Study, Academic Integrity and Search Committees. He served on the Faculty Assembly, and multiple times served on the school’s Rank and Tenure Committee.
Dr. Steiman’s willingly shared his expertise through numerous presentations at major regional, national, and international dental meetings as well as through co-authoring numerous articles published in academic dental journals.
Dean Robert Steiman’ nomination for Dean Emeritus was approved and conferred by Fr. Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., President of University of Detroit Mercy on August 18, 2008.