Periodontology Chairman Named Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine Dean
Dr. Ray C. Williams, who joined the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 1994, has been named dean of the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine.
Appointed by Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny, Williams will oversee the educational, clinical and research components of the School. He will join Stony Brook University in February.
As dean, Williams will lead a school that includes specialists and specialty education in areas such as general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral biology and pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics and implantology.
In announcing Williams as the School of Dental Medicine’s dean, Kenny said that “His eminence in his field is outstanding, and Dr. Williams’ appointment assures a great future for the School.”
Within the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, Williams is chairman of the Department of Periodontology and Straumann distinguished professor of dentistry. He received a 2008 UNC-Chapel Hill Teaching Award, the highest campuswide recognition for teaching excellence; his award recognizes excellence in post-baccalaureate instruction.
He also received the American Academy of Periodontology’s Outstanding Educator Award in 2004, given to “an exemplary periodontal faculty member who has been an inspired and dedicated teacher.”
He received the academy’s Gold Medal Award at the organization’s 94th Annual Meeting recently in Seattle. The honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to periodontics.
“Dr. Williams has been an exemplary teacher, researcher and colleague, to name just a few of the many ways in which he has contributed to the mission of our School of Dentistry and the promotion of oral health in our state and beyond,” said Dean John N. Williams. “His collaborative approach, sense of humor and words of support have inspired many students and colleagues, and he has always been eager to give his time and talent to any initiative that would advance the School’s mission. We congratulate him on this honor and wish him the very best in his new role as dean of the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine.”
An expert in periodontal disease, Williams’ research interests include clinical and translational research in pharmacological modification of the host response to treat periodontal disease, the risk for periodontitis, periodontitis as a risk for systemic disease, and wound healing around teeth and dental implants.
Williams has authored more than 130 papers on periodontal disease and related dental issues. He sits on the editorial boards of the Journal of Periodontology, The Compendium of Continuing Dental Education, the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, the Chinese Journal of Dental Research and the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry.
