History of the Program

Dr. Helmut Zander was recruited in 1956 to establish the Periodontology Department and develop a cutting-edge advanced training program in periodontics. He was part of a wave of talented oral biologists who immigrated to the United States in the early 1930s, fleeing regime changes in Germany and Austria. Serving as both Chair and Program Director, Dr. Zander's leadership continued until the mid-1970s, during which he cultivated a research-intensive program that attracted residents with aspirations for academic careers. 

Following Dr. Zander's tenure, Dr. Alan Polson was appointed as Chairman and guided the department until the late 1980s. Under his leadership, the program maintained its rigorous academic standards while enhancing clinical training. In the subsequent years, Dr. Tom Van Dyke took over as Chair, while Dr. Jack Caton stepped in as Program Director, further enriching the educational experience and ensuring a balance between clinical and research activities.

Dr. Zander was particularly known for accepting a diverse cohort of residents, many of whom hailed from international backgrounds and were poised to become influential leaders in academic dentistry. Numerous graduates from his program returned to their home countries, ascending to prominent positions such as department chairs and deans. The dynamic interplay between clinical training and research continued to flourish during the leadership of Drs. Polson and Van Dyke.

In 1998, Dr. Jack Caton was appointed as both Chair and Program Director, steering the department through another transformative period. Fast forward to 2022, Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida took over the role of Program Director, further innovating the curriculum and mentorship for residents. By 2025, as Dr. Caton retired from his role as Chair, Dr. Tsigarida assumed this leadership position, with Dr. Eli Anna Kotsailidi stepping in as the new Program Director.

Today, the department boasts a robust faculty composed of four full-time members and an additional twelve part-time faculty, all dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of periodontal education. Every graduate of the program emerges as a board-certified professional in either the United States, Canada, or both. The core mission of the residency program remains steadfast: to deliver exceptional comprehensive didactic and clinical training, tailored for residents who aim for distinguished careers in academia. For those aspiring to further their education, the residency program offers the unique opportunity to integrate their clinical training with advanced academic qualifications, such as a master's or PhD degree.