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Memoir
Leo George Upton
Regents' Proceedings 17
Regents' Proceedings 17
L. George Upton, D.D.S., professor of dentistry in the School of Dentistry and associate professor of oral surgery in the Medical School, will retire from active faculty status on July 31, 2009.
Dr. Upton received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Michigan in 1966 and his M.S. degree from the University of Alabama in 1970. He joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1970 as assistant professor of dentistry and assistant professor of surgery. He was promoted to associate professor of dentistry in 1973 and professor of dentistry in 1978, and was promoted to associate professor of surgery in 1976.
Dr. Upton's early research focused on the phenomenon of bone induction, activated by the yet-to-be-isolated bone morphogenic protein. He collaborated with a team at Damian College in New York, studying collagen I and total fibronectin from aspirates of the temporomandibular joint in patients with internal derangement and closed lock. A recognized expert on the management of TMD/TMJ (temperomandibular joint) conditions, he has participated in national symposia and has published in numerous journals including the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.
Dr. Upton has played a major role in orthognathic surgical corrections of facial bone deformities at the University of Michigan Health System for over 25 years. He has served as surgical director of the TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder)/ Orofacial Pain Clinic and chief of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Section at the Ann Arbor Veteran Affairs Medical Center. He was co-director of the Cleft Palate Team from 1982-90 and co-director of the Dentofacial Program from 1997-2007. Dr. Upton directed the clinical and academic aspects of the undergraduate oral surgery curriculum and the clinical and didactic training of oral and maxillofacial surgery residents, and also contributed significantly to the continuing educational programs within the department.
The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming L. George Upton professor emeritus of dentistry and associate professor emeritus of oral surgery.