Remembering Dr. Daniel Laskin
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dr. Daniel Laskin, professor and chair emeritus of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at VCU School of Dentistry, on Dec. 8, 2021. Dr. Laskin is a legend here at the VCU School of Dentistry as well as in the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. His name is synonymous with the field, locally, nationally and internationally.
He served as chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) at VCU School of Dentistry from 1983–2002, as well as chief of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at VCU Health and chair of the Department of Dentistry at VCU Health. Following his service as chair, he remained an affiliate faculty in the OMFS Department and the Health System. He was last here at the SOD working diligently the week before Thanksgiving.
Dr. Laskin received his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University, his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry, and his Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, and he received an honorary Doctor of Science Degree in 2001 from Indiana University. From 1950–1983, Dr. Laskin served in numerous teaching, research and leadership positions at the University of Illinois Chicago, including as chair from 1973–1983. During his tenure at both VCU and the University of Illinois Chicago, he trained hundreds of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and thousands of dentists.
Dr. Laskin authored several textbooks and made over 900 contributions to scientific literature. He also gave countless lectures on oral and maxillofacial surgery, nationally and across the globe. He received numerous awards from VCU and University of Illinois Chicago, including the VCU Award of Excellence in 1993, and garnered significant national and international recognition. Dr. Laskin made many important contributions, but his key academic legacy is his founding of the modern understanding and treatment of temporomandibular joint diseases. His 30 years as editor in chief of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery advanced knowledge throughout the specialty.
Dr. Laskin was a giant in life, and he taught those who knew him well how to be dedicated to our profession and fellow human beings. He felt so strongly about the importance of faculty research that he established a research professorship at the school. He also memorialized Evie Laskin, his wife of 63 years, with a scholarship in her name to help underrepresented students. We will be forever grateful to Dr. Laskin for his contributions to VCU School of Dentistry, and he will always remain fondly in our hearts and memories.
Clara M. Spatafore D.D.S., M.S.
Interim Dean VCU School of Dentistry
Chair Department of Endodontics and Oral Diagnostic Sciences
Diplomate American Board of Endodontics