John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry, recently received the Award of Excellence from the Academy of Operative Dentistry at its annual meeting in Chicago.
The award, presented annually since 1986, recognizes recipients for their service to the academy, free-sharing and innovative ideas in the teaching of operative dentistry, and continuous promotion of excellence in operative dentistry at the national and international level.
Operative dentistry is the art and science of restoring teeth through fillings and crowns, and is the basis upon which general dentistry is built.
“John’s diligence and dedication to all of us, as students of operative dentistry, has enriched our lives and those of our students and patients,” said Ron House, D.D.S., president of the Academy of Operative Dentistry and chair of the department of operative dentistry at the University of West Virginia. “He is tireless and selfless in his effort to promote, advance, and improve both the restorative care our patients receive and the education provided to his peers, colleagues and students.”
Dr. Reinhardt said he was surprised and deeply honored when he received notice about the award.
“The academy represents a very dedicated group who are among the most talented dentists alive,” Dr. Reinhardt said. “I feel very good about calling many of them close friends, and really pleased to be recognized with this honor from them.”
Presenting the award was Daniel Chan, D.D.S., Dr. Reinhardt’s first graduate student at the University of Iowa. Dr. Chan is now director of the Section of Operative Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia.
“John and Claudia, thank you for welcoming a total stranger into your family. You couldn’t imagine what that meant to a foreign student in an unfamiliar environment,” Dr. Chan said during the award presentation. “Above all, thank you for teaching us beyond the mechanics of operative dentistry. You are indeed a gentleman and scholar and an excellent role model. It is no coincidence that all of your former graduate students are here to share this moment with you. We all want to be just like you.”
The Academy of Operative Dentistry began in 1972 and has 1,200 members around the world.
Dr. Reinhardt earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill., in 1971 and his dental degree from Loyola University in Chicago in 1975. He received a master’s degree in operative dentistry from the University of Iowa in 1979 and a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University in 1988.
Prior to coming to UNMC in March 2000, he served on the University of Iowa dental faculty for 22 years. He was appointed assistant professor in 1980, associate professor in 1984 and professor in 1990. Since 1988, he has headed the Operative Dentistry Department. In 1997-98, he held the post of acting assistant dean for patient services.
Dr. Reinhardt was named a fellow in 1995 in the American College of Dentists, and in 2001 in the International College of Dentists. Dr. Reinhardt has received multiple teaching awards from University of Iowa dental students.
In 1997, he served as president of the Academy of Operative Dentistry and is one of only 39 certified members of the American Board of Operative Dentistry. He serves on the editorial board or as a reviewer on several dental journals, and he has been a contributing author for more than 50 research articles.
Photo: From left to right, Dr. Ron House, Dr. Maria Lopez Howell, Dr. Daniel Chan (making the presentation), and Dr. John Reinhardt.