Dr. Herbert T. Shillingburg Clinic Dedication

College Dedicates Dr. Herbert T. Shillingburg, Jr. Clinic

Alumni Weekend 2018 began on Sept. 7 with the dedication of the formerly known “Blue Clinic” to become what is now known as the “Dr. Herbert T. Shillingburg, Jr. Clinic” The college had the pleasure of welcoming friends, family, former students and colleagues of Dr. Shillingburg to reminisce on his many accomplishments and their memories of him.

“What an honor it was to have Dr. Shillingburg as a teacher, a mentor and a friend,” said Dr. Raymond A. Cohlmia, dean of the OU College of Dentistry, addressing the audience. “Each of you are here today to celebrate Dr. Shillingburg because in some way, he made an impact on your life. As I look out on this crowd, I see a piece of him in each and every one of you. This is not only a testimony to him, but proves to me that his legacy will continue to live on here at the college.”

During the dedication, guests were asked to come up and share their favorite stories about Dr. Shillingburg or speak to his character. Dr. Shillingburg was described by many as “no ordinary faculty member”.

Susan E. Brackett, D.D.S., Class of 1978, was one of Dr. Shillingburg’s former students and colleagues. She recalled how Dr. Shillingburg was quick-witted and notorious for both his dry sense of humor and work ethic. He was also known for his demand of perfection, both of himself and his students.

“My one hope is that naming this clinic after Dr. Shillingburg will encourage our current and future students to learn something about the man and emulate his character,” Dr. Brackett said. “Herb appreciated those individuals with incredible natural talent and ability, but he identified with those students who are not naturally gifted. He respected those students who cared enough about their patients to work hard, be meticulous and ethical in the treatment they render — What you might call the Shillingburg gold standard of patient care.”

In 1972, after the college was founded, Dr. Shillingburg was recruited as the chair of the Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, a position he held until his retirement in 2003.

Dr. Shillingburg was the author of five textbooks, including the well-known Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics. First published in 1976, this textbook was required curriculum for 70% of the dental schools in North America. Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics sold more than 80,000 copies and was translated in to seven different languages for international distribution. Known around the world, Dr. Shillingburg presented more than 280 lectures across the United States and abroad.

Dr. Shillingburg passed away July 15, 2015. Shortly thereafter, the College of Dentistry announced its plans to honor Dr. Shillingburg with the naming of this clinic.

“With Herb’s passing we have witnessed the end of an era. There will never be any more ‘crown and bridge men,’ certainly not to the caliber of Herb Shillingburg. But his legacy will live on in those of us he influenced as ‘the man who wrote THE book.’”

Dean Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., with Dr. Shillingburg’s three daughters: Lisa Shillingburg, Leslie Shillingburg Jones and Lara Shillingburg Smith.