The Philip Worthington Endowed Lectureship in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) was established in 2003 by generous alumni and friends from the Department of OMS to honor the life and career of Dr. Philip Worthington, who served as the OMS Department Chair from 1977 to 1998. Dr. Worthington had a tremendous impact on the profession of OMS, and through his leadership and mentorship was a positive influence on many throughout their lives.
The purpose of this fund is to bring distinguished scholars in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, or other fields impacting the practice of OMS, to the University of Washington. These distinguished scholars may present continuing dental education lectures or may participate in lectures and demonstrations for oral surgery faculty, residents and other post-doctoral students.
Thanks to the continued generosity of OMS alumni and friends, and a dedicated and sustained fundraising effort; on October 1, 2023, the fund reached a gift threshold to elevate its status to become the Philip Worthington Endowed Chair in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
A selection committee nominated Dr. Thomas Dodson, Chair of the Department of OMS, as the Endowed Chair holder. The committee unanimously chose to nominate Dr. Dodson for his role in advancing the practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and his contribution to the advancement of teaching and research in the field.
Dr. Dodson is a noted clinician, researcher, and teacher who is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in the specialty. Dr. Dodson’s clinical practice is informed by his commitment to clinical investigation and evidence-based decision making. He is an author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications – including approximately 100 in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS) – and is currently the Editor-in-Chief for JOMS.
Appointing Dr. Dodson to be an endowed Chair in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery signifies the importance of OMS to the School of Dentistry. It also ensures funding is available in perpetuity for the transition of high-caliber leadership from one generation to the next, and it is a fitting and poignant way to honor and recognize the profound contributions of a distinguished member of the UW-OMS family.
You can make a gift to the Philip Worthington Endowed Chair in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery by visiting the donation page.