BUSDM Dean Frankl To Step Down
Dean Spencer Frankl announced that he will step down as Dean of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine (BUSDM) on July 1, 2008, or as soon as a successor is named.
Dr. Frankl, the longest serving Dean of any dental school in the country, has been associated with BUSDM since 1964. He has served as Dean under the leadership of four Presidents and has been actively involved in Charles River and Medical Campus activities since joining the University. Dean Frankl is an internationally renowned and respected pediatric dentist, dental educator and administrator. He is also the longest serving Dean in the history of Boston University. “He has been a visionary leader and BUSDM will continue to reap the benefits of his contributions for many years to come” said Boston University President Robert Brown.
Dr. Frankl completed his undergraduate studies and earned his DDS at Temple University in Philadelphia. He became an Abbe Francis Lawton Fellow in Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he received his M.Sc.D.
In 1964 Dr. Frankl was recruited by SDM founding Dean, Henry M. Goldman, to create the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. He served as Chairman of the department from 1964 to 1976. He also served as Chief of Pediatric Dentistry at University Hospital, head of Pediatric Dentistry at Beth Israel Hospital, and Chief of Dental Service at the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Memorial Hospital for Infants and Children.
In 1970, Dr. Frankl was named Assistant Dean and in 1973, became the Associate Dean, during which time he initiated the DMD program. He became Dean in 1977. During his three decades as Dean, Dr. Frankl was a major proponent of experiential learning; strengthened both the curriculum and the research mission of the school; developed an extensive community service program; and mentored students from diverse backgrounds. Under Dr. Frankl’s leadership, the Dental School evolved from a school for graduate dental education only to a school that offers both the undergraduate DMD degree, as well as a full complement of graduate and research programs. He has overseen curricula revisions of diagnostic, medical, behavioral, and restorative sciences, and an exponential growth in research funding. Boston Medical Campus Provost Karen Antman praised Frankl: “Because of Dr. Frankl’s extraordinary leadership and vision, SDM is now at the forefront of research, education, outcomes assessment, and information technology.”
“I had the pleasure and the privilege to work closely with Dean Frankl for many years in my capacity as Provost of the Medical Campus.” said former BU President Aram Chobanian. “He leaves behind a legacy that will shape the future of dental education, research, and service to the community at BUSDM.”
Dr. Frankl has held leadership positions on a number of national specialty boards. These include Director of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; Chairman of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; Chairman of the Written Section of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; and Chairman of the Clinical Section of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He also served as a consultant for the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
He has been active in numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Association, the American Society of Dentistry for Children, the Massachusetts Society of Dentistry for Children, the International Association for Dental Research, and the Association of Pediatric Dentistry Diplomates. Dr. Frankl is also a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
In the coming weeks a search committee will be formed and charged with conducting a nationwide search for a successor to Dean Frankl.