ABSTRACT
Harold (Hal) C. Slavkin, DDS, the 22nd president of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (1993 to 1994), died on December 22, 2023. During a career that spanned almost 6 decades, Hal distinguished himself as an international authority on craniofacial biology and an advocate for oral health equity. He served as dean of the University of Southern California's dental school, founded the school's Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, created the nation's first PhD program in craniofacial biology, and served as the sixth director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Hal's studies of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of craniofacial malformations prepared him to champion translational research later in his career, when his work with patient advocates revealed the importance of applying new discoveries to clinical practice. A visionary thinker, skilled administrator, progressive educator, compelling communicator, researcher, scholar, and mentor, Hal was known as a Renaissance leader. He rejoiced in fostering collaborative synergies among people and organizations. Throughout his life, family was his central grounding force. He and his wife, Lois, advanced a wide range of social and community initiatives and took great pride in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We remember Hal for his indelible spirit, unflappable enthusiasm for science, fierce advocacy for social justice, and infectious zest for life. Here, we outline his multidimensional accomplishments through the lenses of academia, government, and nonprofit organizations. Although it is with heavy hearts that we bid goodbye to this remarkable man, our spirits are lightened by the many gifts he left behind.
Subject(s)
Dental Research , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , United States , Humans , Dental Research/history , Societies, Dental/history , Leadership , Craniofacial Abnormalities/historySubject(s)
Dental Materials/history , Dental Research , History of Dentistry , Mouth Diseases/history , Periodicals as Topic/history , Dental Research/history , Dental Research/statistics & numerical data , Dental Restoration, Permanent , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Oral HealthSubject(s)
Orthodontics/history , Awards and Prizes , Dental Research/history , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Male , United States , UniversitiesABSTRACT
Professor Robert J. Genco made extraordinary research advances in immunology, periodontology, and microbiology research, pioneering major advances in oral science. In addition to his extraordinary research advancements in oral biology, his pioneering advances in oral science leadership at the local/university, national, and international levels are recognized worldwide, as are his educational advancements. In his era, he is truly the "father" of oral science.
Subject(s)
Dental Research/history , Mouth Diseases/history , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Schools, Dental/history , United StatesABSTRACT
The events leading up to the founding of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England are described. The role of the FDS in establishing the training for dental specialties and research is recorded.
Subject(s)
Dental Research/history , Faculty, Dental/history , Specialties, Dental/history , Surgery, Oral/history , England , History, 20th Century , Humans , Societies, Medical/historyABSTRACT
Compared to the rich literature on Nazi medicine in general, the connection between dentists and National Socialism is less well documented. Neither the elites of the field from this era nor those excluded from the profession are catalogued in a systematic manner. The aims of this contribution are to assemble and review the relevant literature and show how German dentistry organizations have handled this chapter of their professional history. Trends in the literature since the 1980s are examined and it is pointed out, which areas have received some attention and which have not yet been addressed. Thus, this contribution will serve as both the basis and the starting point for new research into the field.