oral surgery oral medicine oral pathology WM sccrlonson endodontics Volume

43, Number

and

dental

6, June,

radiology

1977

editorials Tribute to Dr. Lester W. Burket

W

e are pleased to dedicate this issue of ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE AND ORAL PATHOLOGYto Dr. Lester W. Burket in recognition of his many contributions to the dental profession and to the specialty of oral medicine. On the eve of his retirement, it is fitting and proper that we honor him in this manner. He has had a long and distinguished career on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He was Dean of the School for many years, and under his leadership the school prospered and became one of the leading dental teaching and research institutions in the world. All the articles in this issue have been contributed by the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, or by individuals who received all or part of their education at that institution, as a tribute to their great leader. Dr. Burket’s name is synonymous with oral medicine. He was very influential in establishing it as a specialty of dentistry, and his textbook on the subject is a classic. It is regarded as the most authoritative work available. Dr. Burket is an outstanding teacher. He has always been willing and anxious to share his knowledge with others. In spite of his heavy administrative schedule at the University and his numerous commitments to dental organizations at the local, state, and national levels, he has maintained a full teaching load at the University and has been in great demand as a lecturer and clinician throughout the world. His teachings have benefited dentists and patienm alike, and he will long be remembered for his knowledge, teaching skill, sincerity, dedication, and empathy for others. His teachings and concepts will long endure through the lives of the persons who have come under his influence. One would think that this schedule would keep anyone fully occupied. This was not the case with Dr. Burket, for somehowhe found time to carry on exten813

sivc research projects. His investigations have done much to incrcasc our knowledge and understanding of the problems encountered in oral medicine. I have had a long and close personal relationship with Dr. Burke& and 1 treasure his friendship highly. He was a consultant to the United States Army Dental Corps while 1 was on act.ivc duty, and he made many valuable contributions to the teaching and training programs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and to the programs at other Army installations. I attended as many of his presentations as possible, and I always learned from his teaching. It was a rare privilege to sit at the feet of this great man and great humanitarian. He is the epitome of what a true health professional should be. Dr. Burket has scrvetf on the Editorial Board of the oral medicine section of this JOURNAL for many years and has done much to improve the quality and prestige of the .JOITRNAI,. He has been influential in guiding the destiny of this publication. Personally, and on behalf of the thousands of readers of ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE AND ORAL PATHOLOGY, I wish to commend and thank Dr. Burket for his dedicated efforts and for his many contributions to our profession and the people we serve. We wish him and his charming wife, Grace, a life filled with happiness, contentment,, and continued good health in their well-deserved retirement. Robert B. Shim, D.D.S., P.A.G.D., P.T.C.D. Editor-in-Chief

Tribute to Dr. Lester W. Burket.

oral surgery oral medicine oral pathology WM sccrlonson endodontics Volume 43, Number and dental 6, June, radiology 1977 editorials Tribute to...
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