The first oral biology PhD program
in the U.S.
The Department of Oral Biology of the University at Buffalo was founded in 1961 by Dean James A. English, with Dr. Arthur Ellison serving as the first chairman. This was one of the first oral biology departments in the country; it provided a nucleus of researchers for the School of Dental Medicine. In 1964, the department was the first in the country to offer a PhD in oral biology to dentists who were interested in a career in academic dentistry. In 1968, the PhD program was offered in combination with clinical specialty training in periodontics. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Robert J. Genco, the departmental programs grew and, over the years, the PhD training was offered along with additional specialty training in oral pathology, oral radiology, endodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontics, and orthodontics.
Did you know?
In 1964, the department was the first in the country to offer a PhD degree in oral biology.