Meet Phyllis Beemsterboer, Diversity Advisory Council Member

“To me, diversity is respect - respect for my colleagues as well as the patients we serve.”

Phyllis Beemsterboer, Ed.D.
Professor and Associate Dean
School of Dentistry

Phyllis is Professor of Periodontology and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Dentistry at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. She is an associate director in the Center for Ethics in Health Care at OHSU and co-chairs the inter-professional ethics education program. Her research interest is in bioethics, especially academic integrity and the use of cases in the teaching of ethics in dentistry. An active member in the American Society for Dental Ethics, Dr. Beemsterboer has written a number of textbooks including a text on ethics and law that is used in dental hygiene education programs. Before coming to OHSU, she was a faculty member and administrator in the School of Dentistry at UCLA.

Phyllis’ favorite aspect of working at OHSU is the chance to be surrounded by so many different kinds of people who have various rich backgrounds and experiences. Working with various colleagues and patients has contributed to her personal enrichment and respect for diversity.