A Message from Dr. Eli Eliav
Many ongoing initiatives and remarkable achievements by our faculty and staff continue to define Eastman Institute for Oral Health as a leader in research, education, and patient care.
Four EIOH researchers have been distinguished among the top 0.5 percent and nine EIOH researchers have been distinguished among the top 1 percent of 30 million scholars worldwide by Scholar GPS.
This prestigious recognition acknowledges their significant contribution to oral health research and affirms what we have always known—EIOH is home to some of the most innovative minds in the field, pursuing scientific discovery to improve patient outcomes.
At the same time, we face a growing oral health crisis in New York, where access to quality dental care remains a pressing issue for many. This was detailed recently in a Democrat and Chronicle front page article. We are making strategic advancements, from expanding access to care for people with complex medical conditions and with special needs to developing educational programs that equip the next generation of dental professionals with the skills and knowledge to meet these urgent needs.
None of this would be possible without our extraordinary staff, faculty, trainees and alumni whose dedication to innovation, excellence, and compassionate care is truly inspiring. Through research, teaching, direct patient care, and other contributions, they make a significant difference every day. I am deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to advancing oral health for all.
It is important to note the valuable support of our local and state legislators and many community partners, who have been integral in our efforts to continue our critical outreach and clinical expansion.
We are very grateful to Tom Golisano for his generous $50 million gift to build the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center. A portion of this gift is committed to Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Oral health is the number one unmet healthcare need among people with IDD, and we deeply appreciate Mr. Golisano’s continued support of our transformative work to improve access to care.
After more than 50 years of excellent leadership, Dr. Jack Caton has passed the baton to Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida, who was recently appointed chair of Periodontology. She shares her vision for the department and will work closely with new Program Director Dr. Elli Anna Kotsailidi to expand its successful residency program.
Special thanks to Dr. Christopher Fox and Dr. Antonio Bello for their dedication and many thoughtful contributions during their combined 34 years of service on the Eastman Dental Foundation Board. We welcome new Board members and look forward to working together to support our mission.
As we look ahead, I invite you to stay engaged and take pride in the impactful legacy that we are building together. Thank you for your continued partnership and passion for making a lasting impact on our profession and our communities.
Ever Better,
Eli Eliav, DMD, MSc, PhD
Professor & Director, EIOH
Vice Dean for Oral Health, School of Medicine & Dentistry
Vice President for Oral Health
University of Rochester Medical Center