Elizabeth Gosnell Named Division Director of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Post Date: August 2, 2024 | Publish Date:

dentistry

Elizabeth Gosnell, DMD, MS, has been appointed as the director of Cincinnati Children’s Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and the Robert Creedon Endowed Chair, effective August 1. She will take on the responsibilities previously held by Sarat Thikkurissy, DDS, MS, who will continue to provide care for patients at Cincinnati Children’s.

“We are grateful for Dr. Thikkurissy, or ‘Dr. Bobby,’ as he is known to patients and staff, for his exceptional leadership of the division and his unwavering dedication to patients and to our community,” said Samir Shah, MD, MSCE, vice chair, Clinical Affairs and Education and James M. Ewell Endowed Chair. “We are delighted that he will continue to provide care to children at Cincinnati Children’s.”

Gosnell, a board-certified pediatric dentist and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) at Cincinnati Children’s and a professor of Pediatrics, is a national leader in pediatric dentistry and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position. 

Since joining the health system in 2013, she’s made an impact as a medical staff pediatric dentist, the primary pediatric dentist for the craniofacial anomalies team, educator, and now a professor and division research director.

“Dr. Gosnell is a national leader in pediatric dentistry,” Shah said. “Her contributions have significantly advanced primary prevention efforts, emphasizing the early establishment of a dental home, effective behavior guidance, and the dental treatment of patients with special health care needs.”

Gosnell’s research is focused on managing children with behavioral and emotional special needs, animal-assisted therapy, craniofacial anomalies, and tuberous sclerosis complex.

Some of her accomplishments include: 

Developing an infant oral health care program, implementing a direct referral system for pediatricians for children ages 0-3 years, in collaboration with Thikkurissy and the Pediatric Primary Care Center 
Developing a quality improvement project to lower radiation exposure in pediatric dental care, in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s radiation physicists and orthodontist Richard Campbell, DMD
Reviewing and critically evaluating scientific information and recommending updates to clinical policies, best practices and guidelines published in the annual American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Reference Manual

 Gosnell’s scholarly work involves assisting the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) and the AAPD. She is chair of the AAPD Committee on Special Healthcare Needs, president of the North Central Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the North Central director of the ABPD College of Diplomates, and on the Editorial Board of the journal Pediatric Dentistry. 

As leader and guide of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Gosnell’s role will include: 

Developing and leading transformational clinical and research programs that will shape the future of dental and orthodontic care 
Identifying emerging and new areas of emphasis to ensure the division remains at the forefront of the field 
Recruiting and retaining exceptional, diverse faculty and staff, while supporting their development and fostering a culture of excellence
Facilitating world-class professional clinical and educational programming that will enhance Cincinnati Children’s reputation as a leading institution

 Before joining Cincinnati Children’s, Gosnell held positions at Nationwide Children’s Hospital as a staff pediatric dentist and educator and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry as the pre-doctoral director of pediatric dentistry. She earned a bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of South Carolina Honors College, DMD from the Medical University of South Carolina, and a master’s degree in dentistry from The Ohio State University. 

“Dr. Gosnell’s appointment is a significant addition to our leadership team,” notes Shah. “Under her guidance, the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks in patient care and research.” 