Yang Chai was appointed dean of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC on July 1, 2025. Chai is University Professor of Dentistry, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, and holder of the G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. He serves as the director of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology and associate dean of research at Ostrow.

As dean, Chai oversees one of the nation’s top dental schools, recently ranked the second-highest funded dental school by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an agency of the National Institutes of Health. Ostrow is home to a top-notch doctor of dental surgery program, including one for international dentists seeking to start their careers in the United States; degree programs in craniofacial biology, a number of advanced dental education programs (orthodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry) as well as a portfolio of distance learning degree and certificate programs. Ostrow is known for its community outreach programs, boasting the largest civilian mobile dental clinic fleet in the United States. The dental school is also home to the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, both top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report.

As a clinician-scientist, Chai earned a DMD degree from Peking University School of Stomatology, where he also did his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Afterward, he completed his DDS and PhD degree in craniofacial biology from the University of Southern California. He is most noted for his research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of craniofacial development and birth defects which has led to the successful rescue of cleft palate and suture regeneration in craniosynostosis in preclinical studies. He studies stem cells and is currently preparing for first-in-human clinical trials using innovative 3D-printed scaffolds combined with stem cells to regenerate tissue for patients who have lost bone due to trauma, congenital defects, or disease.

Chai is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. He is also an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a National Academy of Inventors senior member. He has authored more than 180 scientific papers and numerous book chapters, and edited a book titled Craniofacial Development. Chai has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for more than 27 years. His work has earned him multiple awards, including the 2011 International Association of Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Award and 2023 Paul Goldhaber Award from Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. Chai earned a DMD degree from Peking University School of Stomatology, where he also did his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Afterward, he completed his DDS and PhD degree in craniofacial biology from the University of Southern California.