IUSD remembers Dr. Daniel Laskin, renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Dr. Daniel Laskin (DDS’47), a legend in oral and maxillofacial surgery, died on Dec 8, 2021.

Dr. Laskin was renowned worldwide for his academic pursuits in oral and maxillofacial surgery, especially for creating the modern understanding and treatment of temporomandibular joint diseases. He authored numerous textbooks and made more than 900 contributions to scientific literature. He also gave countless lectures on oral and maxillofacial surgery internationally. His 30 years as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery advanced knowledge throughout the specialty.
 
“Dr. Laskin’s personal integrity and commitment to the public good were the foundational elements of all of his professional activities and accomplishments,” said Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, dean.

After earning his DDS, Dr. Laskin received a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. From 1950 to 1983, he served in numerous teaching, research and leadership positions at the University of Illinois Chicago, including as OMSF department chair. He then led the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry from 1983 to 2002. Indiana University bestowed him with an honorary Doctor of Science Degree in 2001.

In 2007, a large gift from Dr. Laskin established the annual Dr. Daniel Laskin Professional Ethics Lectureship at IUSD, which provides continuing education by highly regarded speakers on the ethical practice of dentistry.

"As a teacher, you not only have to teach the subject matter, but you have to be a role model," Dr. Laskin said in a 2009 issue of the IUSD Alumni Bulletin. "In addition, I found that writing an editorial for the journal every month for 30 years is a tall order. Over the years I wrote many editorials that dealt with moral and ethical issues.”

“Dr. Laskin's personal and professional lives were concordant, and together they inspired others to live and practice ethically,” said Dr. Lawrence Garetto, IUSD professor emeritus and clinical ethicist. “There is no better legacy for the enduring, quiet celebrity of Daniel Laskin than the continuing impact of his professional commitment on those who will follow.”

While Dr. Laskin made many important contributions to the field of dentistry in his multifaceted career, he said especially enjoyed his role as teacher. "If you leav e a mark in the field, it's in the people you teach," he said. "They remember you and pass on the torch. ”