Soraya Beiraghi receives Century Club Professor of the Year Award

Soraya Beiraghi, DDS, MSD, MS, MSD, was named University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Century Club Professor of the Year in May 2020.

Beiragh is director of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at the School of Dentistry and has served an important role in craniofacial programs at the University of Minnesota since joining the school more than 25 years ago. Her research focus in the area of craniofacial anomalies, including her study of genotype-phenotype correlation and underlying molecular mechanisms, has earned her respect and recognition in the field.

“Dr. Beiraghi’s knowledge is deep and broad. Her capacity to synthesize, collaborate and work tirelessly for the benefit of patients and students is extraordinary,” said Dean Gary Anderson.

Beiraghi earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Indiana University School of Medicine where she also completed an NIH/National Institute for Dental Research fellowship certificate in medical genetics and a certificate in oral health research. In addition, she earned two advanced specialty master’s degrees in oral health prevention science and pediatric dentistry from the University of Indiana. She was inducted into the University of Minnesota’s Academy for Excellence in Health Care Practice in 2018. She is a prolific writer, authoring or co-authoring more than 45 peer-reviewed articles.

“Dr. Beiraghi always finds the time to listen to students, residents, staff, faculty and a community of young patients and their parents," said Associate Professor Robert Jones, DDS, PhD. "I have always respected how her success in managing groups of diverse teams is rooted in her generosity to listen and ability to consolidate perspectives.”