Genco Receives Gold Medal from Periodontal Academy

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Robert J. Genco, D.D.S., Ph.D., distinguished professor and internationally known dental researcher at the University at Buffalo, has received the American Academy of Periodontology's Gold Medal.

The highest award given by the 6,400-member academy, the Gold Medal is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of periodontics. It is funded by the John O. Butler Co.

Genco, who has conducted pioneering research on caries and periodontal disease for the past two decades, received the honor at the academy's 79th annual meeting, held on Oct. 5 in Chicago.

Genco is director of the Buffalo Periodontal Disease Research Center, one of five national centers to evaluate clinical advances in periodontology. Periodontal, or gum, disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Other forms of the disease may be found in children and adolescents.

The author of more than 200 scientific articles, Genco is editor of the Journal of Periodontology and a member of the editorial boards of several other journals.

He received the American Dental Association's Medal for Excellence in Dental Research two years ago.

A UB faculty member in the School of Dental Medicine since 1974, he received a dental degree from UB and doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

Genco resides in Buffalo.