Time out with T.O. – A humble legend

Humility is a trait that is common among Nebraskans. People like to do their job and not seek the limelight – even when they deserve it.

That’s a perfect description of Leon Davis, D.D.S., M.D., a legendary oral surgeon at UNMC who is retiring at the end of June after 42 years on faculty.

“Dr. Davis is known as a man of very few — but effective — words,” said Karen Howard, D.D.S., M.D., a sixth-year resident in oral & maxillofacial surgery. “He’s very assured and approachable. There’s nothing he hasn’t seen or done. His ability to transfer that confidence to us has been invaluable.”

In the 1970s, Dr. Davis led the way as UNMC and Harvard University pioneered the double degree (D.D.S.-M.D.) model for training oral surgery residents in both medicine and dentistry. Today, of the 105 oral surgery programs in the country, roughly half use the double degree model.

For 26 years, Dr. Davis served as chief of the section of oral & maxillofacial surgery. It has earned a reputation as one of the leading oral surgery programs in the country.

“His vision and foresight guided and strengthened the program through the years,” said Valmont Desa, D.D.S., M.D., associate professor and current chief of the division of oral & maxillofacial surgery. “His career began during a time when our specialty was still searching for its identity and footing, fighting for privileges and being challenged on the scope of practice.

“Because of his intellect and leadership, Dr. Davis positioned our residency program on equal footing with other well-established residency programs in the department of surgery.”

During his career, Dr. Davis conservatively performed more than 10,000 surgical cases. “When I started, it was mostly teeth and jaw fractures,” he said. “Around 1980, we started doing dental implants. Now, we’re doing exotic bone movements to correct jaw deformities and normalize the face.”

One thing never changed during the course of his career – his passion for teaching and interacting with residents.

“It’s the reason I’m here. They make it worthwhile,” Dr. Davis said. “Educating residents is continual. Many times, it takes place in just 30 seconds during an operation.”

As he looks toward retirement, Dr. Davis lists travel and reading as top priorities.

“We’ll do some overseas travel, but there are places in Nebraska I’ve never been to,” he said. “I’ve read about the Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, now I want to see it.”