Remembering Dr. Wendy Mouradian
The Santa Fe Group joins colleagues across the oral health community in mourning the passing of Dr. Wendy Mouradian, a longtime member and Emeritus member of the Santa Fe Group, whose leadership, vision, and dedication to improving health care touched countless lives.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Mouradian was a tireless advocate for children’s oral health, interdisciplinary education, and the integration of oral health into broader health care systems. Her work helped shape how oral health professionals, physicians, educators, and policymakers think about access to care and the importance of treating oral health as an essential component of overall health and well-being.
Dr. Mouradian served as Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and held appointments in both the School of Medicine and the School of Public Health. She was widely respected for her scholarship, mentorship, and leadership, as well as for her unwavering commitment to expanding access to care for underserved populations.
Among her many contributions, Dr. Mouradian played a pivotal role in advancing innovative models of education and workforce development through the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) Program. Her efforts helped strengthen the preparation of future oral health professionals while addressing critical workforce needs in rural and underserved communities.
Within the Santa Fe Group community, Wendy was known not only for her expertise and leadership, but also for her generosity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to advancing meaningful change. She was the lead contributor to the Santa Fe Group’s Continuum on Health Integration. This extensive series of webinars, publications, and action agenda remains a valuable resource for research, education, and policy development. Her work consistently reflected the values that have guided the Santa Fe Group since its founding: collaboration, innovation, and a belief that oral health is integral to overall health.
Santa Fe Group President Dushanka V. Kleinman reflected on their 30 years of friendship and collaboration:
“I am deeply thankful for the time we shared together. Wendy had an endless capacity to explore new venues and approaches to oral health integration, a deep love for her family and a commitment to healthy living and to exploring nature. Wendy inspired everyone around her. She led with intellect, grace, enthusiasm, creativity and determination. She was the ultimate connector among sectors, disciplines and specialties. There was a magic spark when being in Wendy’s presence, a spark we all will miss.”
In May 2025, Dr. Mouradian was recognized with the University of Washington School of Dentistry’s Dean’s Club Honorary Lifetime Award, a fitting tribute to a career defined by service, leadership, and impact. We were proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the opportunity to honor her many contributions to the profession.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Mouradian’s family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all those whose lives were enriched by her mentorship and leadership.
Her legacy will continue through the countless individuals she inspired and the lasting impact of her work on oral health education, access to care, health integration, and health equity.
The Santa Fe Group is honored to have counted Dr. Mouradian among its members and friends. She will be greatly missed.
