Damiano Invested with Endowed Professorship

Peter Damiano, Director of the Public Policy Center(PPC) and the PPC Health Policy Research Program, and Professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, was invested as a Bernstein Chair of Dentistry at the UI College of Dentistry Dean's Dinner on September 7. 

Dr. Morris Bernstein graduated from the UI College of Dentistry in 1939 and remained a loyal supporter to his alma mater until his death in 2005. The Bernstein Chair of Dentistry, established in 2008, is intended to recognize noteworthy accomplishments in teaching, research, or service. 

“Peter Damiano exemplifies the spirit Dr. Bernstein valued: Commitment to students, the oral health of our state and country, curiosity and rigor in studying and developing health policy.  He has been relentless in these pursuits, including the mentoring of countless colleagues and students (and a few deans),” said UI College of Dentistry Dean, David Johnsen.

About his professorship, Damiano says, “I am personally very humbled and appreciative of this recognition. It is also a reflection of the outstanding colleagues at the College of Dentistry and Public Policy Center, and others with whom I’ve had the pleasure to collaborate with over the years. I have been very fortunate.”