Mark Saxen

Mark Saxen, DDS, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Dental Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He previously served as Clinical Associate Professor at Indiana University School of Dentistry, founding Indiana Office-Based Anesthesia in 1993. His expertise spans interdisciplinary collaborations in anesthesia safety, pharmacology, and clinical outcomes. He holds a DDS from Case Western Reserve (1978) and a PhD in Pharmacology/Toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University (1993).

Dr. Saxen is a leader in dental anesthesia organizations, serving as past-president of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists and American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. His recent research focuses on perioperative intraoral fires and total intravenous anesthesia techniques. He was recognized with the Leonard Monheim Distinguished Service Award (2021) for his contributions to the field.

His vision emphasizes fostering a department of creators, educators, and leaders to advance dental anesthesia through collaboration with medical/scientific communities.