This year, Gerald Tussing, DDS, a professor in the UNMC College of Dentistry, is celebrating his 56th anniversary as a faculty member at UNMC. During his time at the college, he has led the UNMC Periodontics Program to national and international prominence.
“Dr. Tussing has contributed to periodontics at the UNMC College of Dentistry in so many facets: program director, chair, teacher, exemplary clinician and mentor,” said Richard Reinhardt, DDS, PhD, a professor in the college. “His long-term impact has essentially shaped much of what is noteworthy about our college.”
Dr. Tussing graduated from the UNMC Periodontics Program in 1967 and joined the faculty the same year. He served as chairman of the department of periodontology from 1968-1991 and chairman of the department of surgical specialties from 1991-2005.
He has received many awards that exemplify his influence on the field of periodontology, including the American Academy of Periodontology Educator of Year Award in 2010 and being inducted into the Nebraska Dental Association Hall of Fame in 2012.
“Dr. Tussing is synonymous with periodontics in Nebraska. Through his leadership, the UNMC College of Dentistry has established a national and international reputation in periodontics,” said Wayne Kaldahl, DDS, a professor in the college.
Throughout his 56 years with the college, Dr. Tussing has made a difference in the lives of countless students, faculty, staff and patients. His leadership and mentorship have helped shape the field of periodontology.
“He recruited faculty who not only became effective educators and leaders at the UNMC College of Dentistry and other colleges, but also contributed to the creation of new knowledge in periodontology,” said Jeffrey Payne, DDS, a professor at the college.
“Periodontology research at the college has been shared with dental students, dental hygiene students and periodontology residents, and the periodontology faculty whom Dr. Tussing recruited have made a significant impact on the national and international stage,” Dr. Payne said.
He currently teaches graduate periodontology courses and instructs predoctoral students in the clinic.
“Dr. Tussing’s real love is teaching, whether it’s one-on-one interaction with a student or giving a lecture,” Dr. Kaldahl said.
His influence on the college’s past, present and future is immeasurable.
Said Dr. Payne, “When Dr. Tussing recruited me in 1991, it was obvious that he had created a departmental family. A testament to that culture is that our periodontology faculty have remained at the college for many years because of the environment that he created and sustained.”
Dr. Tussing also is an accomplished Formula One racer. Read about his racing adventures.
What a wonderful milestone! You have done so much for the College!! You should be proud!! I know I am! Happy to be able to say “I know you!” Congratulations!!