Periodontics Chair at EIOH, Dr. Jack Caton, is Relinquishing His Position
After an illustrious career spanning over five decades, Dr. Jack G. Caton, a renowned figure in the field of Periodontology, is stepping down as Chair of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) Periodontics Department on December 31, 2024 [3]. During his tenure, Dr. Caton has made a significant impact on the field, leading the way in academic excellence and clinical innovation.
Dr. Caton's contributions to periodontology are far-reaching, with his name associated with numerous groundbreaking achievements. One of his most notable accomplishments is his role in the development of the 2017 classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions [5]. This updated system, which includes new staging and grading systems, has become a standard in diagnosing and planning treatment for periodontal diseases worldwide.
In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Caton has also made significant strides in clinical practice. He has pioneered procedures that have improved outcomes for patients with receding gums undergoing orthodontic treatment [3]. His work has not only transformed the lives of his patients but has also set a new standard in the field.
Dr. Caton's influence extends beyond his clinical work and academic research. He is also a respected educator, having taught at the EIOH Periodontics department since 1973, shortly after he graduated from the same program [1]. Over the years, he has published over 120 scientific articles and chapters on periodontal wound healing, animal models, diagnosis, and human clinical trials [2].
Dr. Caton's commitment to education is evident in the Jack Caton Endowed Fellowship, a scholarship awarded to promising scholars in periodontology [1]. This fellowship, established in 2015, reflects Dr. Caton's enduring impact on education and research in the field.
Despite stepping down as Chair, Dr. Caton will continue to serve in his roles as associate director for education, director of the master's program, and faculty member in the department of periodontics [4]. A committee will be established to perform a national search for his replacement [6].
Throughout his career, Dr. Caton has received numerous awards and honors, including the William J. Gies Award in Periodontology, the Gold Medal for contributions to Periodontics from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), and the American Dental Association's Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research [7].
In conclusion, Dr. Jack G. Caton is a distinguished periodontal specialist and educator whose leadership, research, and clinical advancements have significantly shaped modern periodontology and peri-implant disease management. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of periodontologists.
- Dr. Caton's work in the field of periodontology, including his role in the development of the 2017 classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, showcases the interplay between science and health-and-wellness, contributing to advancements in medical-conditions like gum diseases.
- Beyond academia, Dr. Caton has made significant strides in business through his clinical innovations, particularly in the orthodontic treatment of patients with receding gums, improving outcomes and redefining standards in the field.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Dr. Caton's establishment of the Jack Caton Endowed Fellowship demonstrates his commitment to fostering careers in periodontology, providing financial support for promising scholars.
- Dr. Caton's immense contributions, evident in his numerous awards and accolades, underscore the importance of learning and continuous self-improvement in both science and business, particularly in the sectors of health-and-wellness, finance, and careers, where his work has had a profound impact.
