The American University of Beirut (AUB) was this year's recipient of the Pioneers in Dentistry Award. The university was recognized by the Pioneers in Dentistry committee for introducing dental education by establishing the first dental school in the region in 1910.
The award ceremony held at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) honored the legacy of the founders of the AUB School of Dentistry, which was founded in 1910 and closed in 1940, and underscored the historic role AUB has played in shaping dental education in the region. It also celebrated the university's continued leadership and contributions to the profession and to health education and care in Lebanon and the region. A symposium titled “Dental Education 1910 … 2035" followed the award ceremony which brought together senior administration, faculty, and staff from both AUB and AUBMC, who gathered with academics and representatives of all three dental schools in Lebanon, Lebanese dental associations, and the International College of Dentists.
“AUB founded the first dental school in the entire region, laying the cornerstone for modern dental education and shaping generations of practitioners," said Dr. Anthony Macari, associate professor at AUB's Department of Dentofacial Medicine. “Its enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and service continues to elevate oral health in Lebanon and beyond, fulfilling its mission to advance knowledge so our communities 'may have life and have it more abundantly.'"
On behalf of the university, AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri received the award, which is given annually through a selection process that is based on criteria across a combination of fields that promote dental and oral health, including scholarly activities (research and education); practice and/or service; and innovation and development. President Khuri was instrumental in establishing the Department of Dentofacial Medicine within the AUB Faculty of Medicine (FM) along with Vice President for Medical Affairs and Raja Khuri Dean of FM Raymond Sawaya. Upon receiving the award, Dr. Khuri spoke about the impact of establishing the region's first school of dentistry at AUB and the lessons learned from this experience. He also emphasized the consistent vision and mission of AUB since its foundation in 1866 to lead in education and service for Lebanon and the region.
“Although the school was closed in 1940, its impact continued through the alumni of the school and through the founding of three dental schools in Lebanon and the Department of Dentofacial Medicine at the AUB Faculty of Medicine," said Dr. Joseph Ghafari, professor and founding chair of the department. “This foresighted concept revives the foundational vision and mission of the AUB founders, sustained through a legacy of leadership and excellence in education." Dr. Ghafari further highlighted the evolution of dental education at AUB and the impactful contributions of its founders and pioneers.
VP/Dean Sawaya, who received a commemorative plaque at the ceremony, gave a talk titled “Oral health is medical health," emphasizing the vital interaction of body organs and functions in health and disease. A presentation ensued by Dr. Cedric Haddad who spoke about the experiences passed on to him from his grandfather and father who both taught at the AUB School of Dentistry. Dr. Haddad followed in their footsteps and today stands as a renowned figure in the dental field.
The Pioneers in Dentistry program was established at AUB in 2015 and has honored local and international leaders for their seminal contributions to the science, education, and practice of dentistry in Lebanon, the region, and the world.