Dental community mourns death of periodontology pioneer Dr Myron Nevins

Born in Philadelphia in the US to a family with strong dental roots, Dr Nevins studied dentistry at Temple University, earning his DDS from its from its School of Dentistry. He completed postgraduate periodontal training at Boston University before entering private practice in Massachusetts, where he maintained a practice limited to periodontics and implant dentistry for many years.

Dr Nevins was among the early adopters of implant dentistry, placing his first dental implant in 1966 while still a resident. Over time, he became a central figure in integrating implant therapy into periodontology. His work in bone regeneration, tissue engineering and implant therapy helped shape modern clinical standards and contributed to the development of evidence-based regenerative dentistry.

Alongside his clinical career, Dr Nevins was committed to academia and professional leadership. He served as editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry for four decades and founded the Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He held academic appointments at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and Temple University, and was a frequent international lecturer.

Among several leadership roles at leading periodontal organisations, Dr Nevins served as past president of the American Academy of Periodontology and as director and chairman of the American Board of Periodontology. From 2003 to 2015, he was a board member of the Osteology Foundation, contributing to its scientific direction during its formative years. His work influenced both clinical practice and professional education in periodontology.