Considered to be the “Grandfather” of modern oral biology, Israel Kleinberg, DDS, PhD, DSc, passed away on November 19th, 2021 at the age of 91. Dr. Kleinberg retired from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine in January 2019 after 45 years of service. Dr. Kleinberg was one of Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine’s founding faculty members and chairs. He established the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology, which thrived under his leadership.
A prolific and nationally renowned scientist, researcher, inventor, and educator, Dr. Kleinberg’s career spanned 67 years. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Toronto and his Doctor of Biochemistry and Physiology degrees from the University of Durham, now known as the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Dr. Kleinberg’s major accomplishments include advancing the field of oral biology as a new educational discipline and his groundbreaking research on the oral microbiome.
Dr. Kleinberg’s numerous honors include the William J. Gies Award for Vision, Innovation and Achievement of the ADEA Gies Foundation, and Outstanding Inventor Award, State University of New York. Additionally, the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) selected Dr. Israel Kleinberg as a Fellow — the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.
Dr. Kleinberg was also named a State University of New York Distinguished Professor.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook University.
