The Regents of the University acknowledge with profound sadness the death on May 2, 1989, of Earl J. Dinger, D.D.S., associate professor of dentistry.

Born on December 25, 1921, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Dinger earned his B.A. degree from Albion College in 1945, his D.D.S. degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1948, and his M.S. degree in prosthetic dentistry from the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies in 1951. Dr. Dinger was a member of Delta Sigma Phi at Albion College and belonged to Xi Psi Phi dental fraternity while in dental school. He began his teaching career in 1949 as an instructor in the Department of Partial Denture at the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry, and was promoted to assistant professor in 1955, and associate professor in 1968.

In addition to his own field of partial denture prosthetics, he had a strong background in operative dentistry, crown and bridge prosthesis, and complete denture prosthesis, and regularly served as a consultant in these departments in the School of Dentistry. He also maintained a part-time private practice.

Dr. Dinger was the co-author of articles published in professional journals, primarily regarding dental amalgams and gold partial denture castings. Additionally, he co-authored the manual Laboratory Procedure Guide for Partial Denture Prosthesis.

A life member of both the American and Michigan Dental Associations, Dr. Dinger also belonged to the American Prosthodontic Society, the Washtenaw District Dental Society (for which he served a one-year term as president), and Omicron Kappa Upsilon (dentistry honor society).

Dr. Dinger was a dedicated teacher and an excellent clinician. During his teaching career, he played a significant role in the education of many Michigan dentists. As we mourn his loss, our condolences go to his wife, Laura; to his daughters, Candace Hall and Merri Kokinakes, and to his son, Mark.