Robert J. Genco, DDS, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, director of the University at Buffalo Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach (STOR), and UB professor of periodontics and endodontics, is the recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) Distinguished Scientist Award for 2012. The AAP Distinguished Scientist Award is presented to an academy member who has actively contributed to the basic science and/or clinical science of periodontology through published literature and has contributed to pre- and postdoctoral education. Genco received the award in recognition of more than three decades of research, scholarship, and service that contributed to the understanding, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease. “I am pleased and humbled by this recognition," said Genco. "I have had a long and fruitful association with the American Academy of Periodontology, and to be honored by them is a highlight of my career. It is also recognition of the many colleagues I have had the honor of working with at UB and other universities." The AAP, founded in 1914, is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Dean of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Michael L. Glick, DMD, said, “I am gratified to see my colleague and friend, Dr. Genco, receive this well-deserved award from the AAP. His contributions to the University at Buffalo and the oral health community are immeasurable and continue to inspire researchers across the globe to pursue new discoveries that define excellence while improving quality of life.” A 1963 graduate of the UB School of Dental Medicine, Genco received a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1967. Formerly chair of the Department of Oral Biology at UB’s School of Dental Medicine for 25 years and also the director of the Periodontal Disease Clinical Research Center, Genco and his colleagues were among the first to report a connection between gum disease and heart disease and stroke and led studies relating periodontitis to diabetes mellitus and obesity. Genco has held editorial positions with 11 scientific journals, edited or coedited 10 books, and authored or coauthored more than 325 scientific articles and publications. He is a past president of the American Association for Dental Research and the International Association of Dental Research. Genco has been the primary investigator on multi-million dollar grants from the NIDCR, editor of the Journal of Periodontology, and is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science. William V. Giannobile, DDS, MS, DMSc, chair of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, nominated Genco for the award. He said, “I believe that Dr. Genco is the ideal individual to be recognized for this award given his tremendous dedication not only to the AAP but to all of periodontology.”
For related news, go to AAP response to AHA.
