David Brown, PhD, a former associate dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry, died July 27.
His influence on the college, UNMC and the state of Nebraska was far-reaching. He joined the college in 1981 and served as chairman of the department of oral biology from 1981-1987, director of research from 1982-1984 and assistant dean for research and administration from 1984-1989. He became the associate dean for academic affairs in 1989, an executive associate dean in 2000 and then a professor of oral biology focused on community outreach until he retired in 2020.
Dr. Brown helped thousands of students become oral health professionals and was instrumental in helping thousands of Nebraskans receive oral health care through the college’s outreach events, including Children’s Dental Day and SHARING Clinics and through building college partnerships with organizations such as Clinic with a Heart.
He taught generations of students the importance of helping the underserved. Through his passion for helping others and his leadership, Dr. Brown touched the lives of countless community members, students, faculty and staff.
"Dr. Brown’s dedication to the college’s mission and community outreach is unsurpassed. He will forever be remembered as one of the most capable, dependable and conscientious leaders the college has ever had," said Larry Crouch, PhD, professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry. "What I will remember most is that Dr. Brown cared. He cared deeply about the college, all the people who learn and work here and all the people that the college serves."
Read Dr. Brown's obituary online.
He received many awards for his community outreach work, including the Dental Public Health Award from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the American Dental Association’s Presidential Award for increasing access to dental care for special populations, Clinic with a Heart’s Community Partner Award and the Nebraska Rural Health Association’s President’s Award.
"Dr. Brown was a man of superior intellect and impeccable character," said Charles Craft, DDS, dental director for the Nebraska DHHS Office of Oral Health and Dentistry. "A person of few words but much action. A teacher who always looked for new ways to help the underserved but never took the credit. A leader in the world of public health dentistry and a source of inspiration to us all."
He leaves a legacy of compassion, excellence and leadership in dental education, colleagues say.
"Dr. Brown had a great and lasting influence on the college of dentistry and the oral health of the people of Nebraska and beyond," said Janet Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. "His legacy will live on through the students, faculty and staff that he inspired."
Dr. Brown’s celebration of life service will be Friday, Aug. 26, at 3:30 p.m. at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln.
You will be truly missed, Dr. Brown! What a wonderful man and did so much for the College. My condolences to his family.
Dr. Brown was a patient and supportive collaborator, with an open door and love of teaching.
I am so sad to read about Dr. Brown's passing. We worked together for many years on insurance issues and he was always so kind. My deepest sympathies to the COD family as well as Dr. Brown's family.
A wonderful man
I worked with Dr. Brown on various issues for many years. He was always calm, kind, and very wise. His caring for the College of Dentistry students, faculty, and staff was unmistakable.
Dr. Brown worked with us on the SHARING clinic for years and appreciate his dedication to the students and the community in providing free care for the underserved.
Dr. Brown's long career at the College of Dentistry and passion for public service was remarkable. He leaves a great legacy and is an inspiration for future students, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Brown was the mandible of dental education. Hard on the outside soft in the middle . The accreditation of the COD owes him. His towering stature and focused commitment to the students is my memory of him . His guidance during my senior research was unforgettable. I wish I had taken the time sooner to let him know how much he helped me. Sad to hear of his passing. But he was a closet stoic . He was at an intelligence level far above me. God will welcome such an accomplished disciple . Regards Greg Barry