Friend of the School of Dentistry Award

William K. Lobb, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H.
Mukwonago, Wis.

Emeritus Dean William Lobb, D.D.S., retired in 2023, completing a distinguished 26-year tenure as dean of the Marquette School of Dentistry. One of the longest-serving deans in university history, he left a lasting imprint on the school, leading efforts to build and expand its state-of-the art facilities, redefining dental education in the process.

Under his guidance, the School of Dentistry provided dental care for hundreds of thousands of underserved Wisconsin residents in both urban and rural areas.

“During my time at Marquette University I was able to work collaboratively with excellent people,” he says, “and together we were able to accomplish several goals for the dental school and the university more broadly.”

Bill received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Dental Association in 2021, the organization’s highest honor. In 2012, The American Dental Education Association awarded him the William J. Gies Award for Innovation as a dental educator for spearheading development of Marquette’s innovative curriculum the emphasized early clinical experiences, integration of content and instruction, evidence-based decision-making, and community health-focused clinical partnerships. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists.

In retirement, Bill continues to work one day a week as an adjunct clinical professor in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Developmental Science, teaching in the postgraduate orthodontic program. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He also serves as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation and works as a consultant for other dental schools.

He calls this award “a great privilege and honor,” one that leaves him feeling “connected more deeply to the institution and its reputation.”

Fun Facts:

Born in Canada, Bill received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1977.

Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you.

One significant person would be Father Robert A. Wild. He provided me with encouragement and support and was committed to the success of the School of Dentistry throughout his tenure as university president.