Author Pens New Book on Life of Henry M. Goldman

While the story of Dr. Henry Maurice Goldman and the founding of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) is well-known by those in the GSDM community, a new book seeks to inform the general public about Dr. Goldman’s legacy as well.

The book, written by author and Periodontist Dr. Robert Allyn Goldman SMD 71 (nephew of Henry Maurice Goldman), is called Henry Maurice Goldman Dental Educator and Pioneer. It is a 360 page book—published this spring—that attempts to detail Dr. Goldman’s lifetime of accomplishments and explain why the importance of his legacy still resonates today.

In 1963, Dr. Goldman helped to establish a Graduate School of Dentistry at Boston University. While the Boston University School of Medicine had established a Department of Stomatology in 1958—the only one in the country at the time devoted solely to specialty education in dentistry—a Graduate School of Dentistry did not exist until 1963.

Dr. Goldman would go on to serve as the first Dean of the Boston University Graduate School of Dentistry, which was—at the time—located in a three-and-a-half-story brownstone building on East Concord Street.

Dr. Goldman served as Dean until he retired in 1977.  Dr. Spencer N. Frankl was then appointed as Dean. After 30 years as Dean, Dr.  Frankl tragically passed away in 2007, and after a 9-month search Dr. Jeffrey W. Hutter was appointed the third Dean of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in August 2008.

Dr. Goldman oversaw much growth during his tenure. This growth included: the school’s move from its brownstone building to the current facility at 100 East Newton Street in 1970, the implementation—in 1972—of a pre-doctoral program leading to the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, and the addition of four more floors to the 100 East Newton Street facility in 1973.

While Dr. Allyn Goldman’s new book about Dr. Goldman details the former Dean’s successes while in charge of the Dental School, the book also explains the many other accomplishments and innovations in dental practice and education that Dr. Goldman is responsible for.

Henry M. Goldman Distinguished Scientist and Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and the Department of Periodontology Dr. Frank Oppenheim is quoted on the book’s dust-jacket.

“This is a remarkable and important book describing the life and work of Henry M. Goldman. As a dean, educator and mentor I was privileged to witness his unfailing pursuits to uncover the many mysteries underlying the pathogenesis of periodontology and thus creating a rational approach to treat the disease as a clinician. He pioneered the concept that dental medicine is a subspecialty of medicine governed by the same biological principles. His work has provided the model for our current and future directions in research and clinical care for many generations,” reads Dr. Oppenheim’s quote.

While the primary audience of Henry Maurice Goldman Dental Educator and Pioneer is dental educators and students, the book is also designed for members of the lay public interested in the nuances of dental education and the story of Dr. Goldman’s life.

The book is broken up into three main sections: The Early Years, The Productive Years, and Projections. In an excerpt from the section entitled “The Productive Years”—in the chapter entitled “Henry and His Cast of Characters”—Dr. Allyn Goldman explains that Dr. Goldman’s faculty during the formative years of what is now called GSDM, was composed of a motley crew of imposing personalities.

“What kind of individuals were they?” the book reads. “They were avant-garde, highly intellectual, quite conversant on many subjects, relentlessly enthusiastic, and energetic (almost to a fault). On a personal level, they were mostly affable and talkative. For people without any basic credentials in basic education they excelled in all phases of teaching.”

Professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Director of the Division of Educational Resources Dr. A. Stephen Polins is also quoted on the dust jacket.

“Dr. Henry. M Goldman stands alone as the embodiment of a scientist, educator, leader and role model, whose wisdom, knowledge and guidance remain a constant influence in our profession. To me he was a mentor and friend who provided the example of dedication and professionalism that has guided my career as a periodontist and educator. I am privileged to be a part of his legacy and appreciate the effort that Dr. Robert A., Goldman has put into providing insight into the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Dr. Henry M. Goldman,” reads Dr. Polins’ quote.

Henry Maurice Goldman Dental Educator and Pioneer can be purchased online at sites such as Amazon.com and ArchwayPublishing.com.