‘Father of Oral Science’ Is Remembered With Endowment
The memory of Robert J. Genco, DDS, PhD, the “father of oral science” who passed away in March 2019, is being honored with a $1 million grant to establish the Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair in Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo (UB) in New York.
The memory of Robert J. Genco, DDS, PhD, the “father of oral science” who passed away in March 2019, is being honored with a $1 million grant to establish the Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair in Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo (UB) in New York. The Sunstar Group, an international oral health care manufacturer, gave the funds to establish the endowment. Genco helped to develop a partnership between UB and Sunstar that has lasted more than 40 years.
A longtime faculty member, Genco served as director of the UB Microbiome Center and chair of the university’s Department of Oral Biology. He was a pioneer in the discovery of the oral-systemic link. The endowed chair will support a new faculty position that highlights educators who are scholars, talented teachers, researchers, and innovators focused on oral biology and periodontal medicine at UB’s School of Dental Medicine.
Genco’s widow, Frances Doherty Genco, RDH, BS, a member of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Corporate Council, notes, “Bob always believed in inspiring people through recognition of their work. He sent countless notes to people to compliment them, and inspired so many of his students and others to excel. My hope is that this endowed chair will remind everyone of Bob’s passion for science, his optimism, his genuine interest in people, and his warmness as a human being.”
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. November 2020;18(10):11.
