Dentist establishes CE programme at NYU, receives honor

This society is named after Sir Harold Acton, a British man who upon his death left his family’s 57-acre Italian estate, Villa La Pietra, to New York University. The Sir Harold Acton society recognizes individuals, businesses and foundations that make donations of $1 million or more to NYU.

The purpose of Dr Linhart’s qualifying contribution, the establishment of the NYUCD Linhart Continuing Dental Education Program, is to help practicing dentists stay up-to-date with ever-changing dental procedures and to help them remain on the cutting-edge of technology.

“Much of my success has come from constantly improving myself and my practice,” Dr Linhart said. “Continuing one’s education is key in dentistry, and an absolute necessity for anyone who wishes to have a quality practice.”

Dr Linhart signed the gift agreement on his 55th birthday as, he says, “a gift to myself.” He continued, “I’ve always given back to NYUCD, but since my son, Zach, started there, I’ve felt a renewed connection to the school. I felt it was time to do even more.”

Dr Linhart reports that he is especially mindful of the importance of his NYU College of Dentistry education because of his family history. His mother survived Auschwitz and his father survived forced military service in Hungary during World War II. The family immigrated to the United States when Jan Linhart was 13 years old. Since then, he graduated from Bowdoin College, earned his dental degree and started his own practice, which over the years has grown from a single chair to a large interdisciplinary practice.

“My office is much bigger now,” said Dr Linhart, “but I refuse to lose sight of the reasons for my success — my focus on patient comfort and my continuing education.”

He said he hopes that his donation will help young dentists follow in his footsteps.

“Ellen’s and my induction into the Sir Harold Acton Society is a great honor,” Dr Linhart said. “We’re very thankful for it, as we are of our ability to make this contribution to the university.”

(Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA)