Richard Reinhardt, D.D.S. |
Dr. Reinhardt, the Moran Professor of Periodontology at the UNMC College of Dentistry, received the award in recognition of his outstanding work in mentoring students in dental research since 1981.
“The award is nice,” Dr. Reinhardt said. “What’s better is the opportunity to work alongside dental students, watching them discover and contribute new information to the field of oral science.”
“Mentoring pre-doctoral dental students is a priority for Dr. Reinhardt and he excels at it,” said Jeffrey Payne, D.D.S., associate dean for research and F. Gene and Rosemary Dixon Endowed Chair in Dentistry at the UNMC College of Dentistry.
Dr. Payne praised Dr. Reinhardt for mentoring 26 pre-doctoral dental students over the past 15 years, resulting in 12 peer-reviewed manuscripts being published in scientific journals. In addition, four of Dr. Reinhardt’s students have received awards at national meetings.
Dr. Reinhardt joined the College of Dentistry faculty in 1976, received his master’s and periodontal residency certificate in 1981 and doctorate in 1987.
Research projects he’s worked on with students over the years include:
- exploring the histology of periodontal disease and bone loss;
- measuring sensitivity of teeth; and
- the effect of statin drugs on the stimulation of bone formation.
“It’s a privilege to work with the students,” Dr. Reinhardt said. “They come with a lot of enthusiasm and originality bringing up ideas that may not have occurred to you. That’s always interesting.”
Dr. Reinhardt said he hopes that the students he’s mentored over the years and in the future develop an appreciation for the nuances of science and how it applies to clinical practice.
“It’s not always black and white,” he said.
“Dr. Reinhardt is most deserving of this prestigious award,” said Janet Guthmiller, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean, UNMC College of Dentistry. “This national recognition is a true testament to Dr. Reinhardt’s incredible mentorship of students.”
Congratulations!