ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan School of Dentistry has named one of its faculty members to the newly-established Samuel D. Harris Collegiate Professorship of Dentistry. The position will be held by Robert J. Feigal, professor of dentistry, director of pediatric dentistry, and interim associate dean for academic affairs. The U-M Board of Regents approved the appointment last month.

The professorship, established in January, is named for Dr. Samuel D. Harris who, after earning his dental degree at the U-M in 1924, had a major impact on the profession of pediatric dentistry for more than 50 years. William Kotowicz, dean of the School of Dentistry, said that the Harris Professorship “is a fitting tribute to one of our School’s most distinguished graduates. The professorship will allow us to honor him in perpetuity.”

Born in Russia, Harris emigrated with his family to Hamilton, Ontario, when he was four. When he was eight, his family moved to Detroit. He practiced in that city until he retired in 1983 at the age of 80. His achievements included the founding of the American Society of Dentistry for Children in 1927 and establishing the Journal of Dentistry for Children six years later. He served as its editor for 10 years.

He also wrote the constitutions and bylaws for 36 international societies of dentistry for children. He helped establish the Academy and the College of Pediatric Dentistry and the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry. In 1998, the American Dental Association presented him with its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

   Feigal Feigal, who will hold the Harris Professorship, earned his dental degree in 1971, his certificate in pediatric dentistry in 1977, and his Ph.D. in oral biology in 1979 from the University of Minnesota. He joined the University of Michigan School of Dentistry as a professor of dentistry with tenure in 1993. He was instrumental in coordinating a new relationship between the U-M School of Dentistry and Mott Children’s Health Center and Hurley Medical Center in Flint, supporting a training program for master’s students in pediatric dentistry that began in 1994.

As an administrator, he has been interim associate dean for academic affairs since
The U-M School of Dentistry is one of the nation’s leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction train future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. More information is available on the Web at http://www.dent.umich.edu.

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School of DentistryDr. Samuel D. HarrisAmerican Society of Dentistry for ChildrenAmerican Dental AssociationHurley Medical Centerhttp://www.dent.umich.edu