Eastman Institute Wins Jarvie-Burkhart Award

Jun. 22, 2017

UR Medicine’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health has won the 2017 Jarvie-Burkhart Award, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA).

NYSDA logoThe award recognizes those who have demonstrated advancement in promoting continuing dental education, dental research, philanthropic endeavors in the dentistry field or who have made original contributions to the science and application of dentistry.

The Jarvie-Burkhart Award, established in 1905, is named after former NYSDA  leaders and dental pioneers, Drs. William Jarvie and Harvey Burkhart.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health is marking its 100th year of advancing education, research, philanthropy and community service, since George Eastman established the dental dispensary in Rochester, NY.

Dr. Eli Eliav“George Eastman himself had dental problems until Dr. Harvey Burkhart, who was also the mayor in Batavia, NY, fitted him with a comfortable set of dentures,” said Dr. Eli Eliav, EIOH director and University of Rochester vice dean for oral health, when he accepted the award at the recent NYSDA annual meeting. “It is an honor to receive this award, especially in our centennial year. We look forward to building on the foundation of our past accomplishments to continue leading the way with innovations in education, research and clinical care.”

Eastman Institute has consistently been among the top National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded programs, with many multi-million dollar grants to address expanded training for underserved populations, clinical and translational science, orofacial pain, and salivary gland repair after cancer treatment, cavities, and other critical areas.

In addition, Eastman has a rich history of international influence and collaboration.  More than 1,200 applications are received each year from around the world for only 50 open post-doctoral residency positions.  EIOH also hosts faculty training and exchange programs with universities in China, Poland, Italy, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Many EIOH alumni have become leaders in their specialties, through national associations, becoming deans or holding other senior leadership roles in dental schools and NIH.   

The New York State Dental Association is a constituent of the American Dental Association and represents more than 13,000 dentists practicing in New York State.