ADA News
Dr. Irwin Mandel dies; hailed for work in preventive dentistry
New York—Dr. Irwin D. Mandel, a “pioneering dental researcher” and the first recipient of the ADA Gold Medal, died May 26. He was 89.
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| Benchmark: Then-ADA President John L. Bomba (left) in 1985 holds the ADA Gold Medal, worn by its first recipient, Dr. Irwin Mandel. |
Dr. Mandel, a former associate dean of research at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, was known for his studies on dental plaque in tooth decay and periodontal disease, and also for his research on salivary composition in relation to dental disease and systemic disease.
In the November 1985 article heralding his receipt of the Gold Medal, The Journal of the American Dental Association credited him with forming “a cornerstone of modern-day preventive dentistry” who “motivated others to use research as a means to advance the practice of dentistry.”
Dr. Mandel, who spent most of his dental career and all of his academic career at Columbia, played a major role in shifting the focus of dentistry from repair to prevention, said Dr. Ira Lamster, dean, College of Dental Medicine.
“Irwin’s influence on generations of dental students at Columbia was enormous,” wrote Dr. Lamster in a tribute to Dr. Mandel. “He emphasized the need to translate research findings into improved clinical care” and “will be remembered for his prodigious intellect, sharp wit and his devotion to Columbia and the profession of dentistry.”
Dr. Mandel graduated from Columbia in 1945 and almost immediately joined the staff as a part-time research assistant. In 1968, he gave up a part-time dental practice in order to devote himself to full-time teaching and dental research.
According to Columbia, he was the founding director of the school’s Division of Preventive Dentistry and Center for Clinical Research in Dentistry. He rose to the position of associate dean of dental research before retiring in 1992 and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Science from Columbia University in 1996.
He was a past president of the American Association for Dental Research and in 1985, received the ADA Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research. At the luncheon to accept the award, Dr. Mandel gave the speech, “Research, the Silent Partner in Dental Practice.”
In announcing Dr. Mandel’s selection, then-ADA President John L. Bomba said, “It is fitting that Dr. Mandel be the first recipient; his pioneering work in preventive dentistry and the breadth of this accomplishments honor him and the profession.”
According to Columbia, Dr. Mandel was the author of 225 scientific articles and 18 books or book chapters. He served on the editorial boards of dental publications including JADA, the Journal of Periodontology and Dental Abstracts.
Dr. Mandel is survived by his wife, Charlotte, two daughters, Nora and Carol, and son Richard. His family has requested that donations in his memory be sent to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Irwin D. Mandel Research Fund, 630 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032.
