BOG 2016: Dental School Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Preserving Israel’s smile is a national mission that requires vision, heart and the courage to change. TAU’s Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, which celebrated its 40^th anniversary during the 2016 Board of Governors Meeting, is rising to the challenge.

To mark its birthday the School hosted American and French Friends of Tel Aviv University at a dazzling celebration. The event marked a 40-year revolution in scientific and socially-conscious dentistry – one that has made TAU a model for advanced dental education throughout the world.

Speaking before TAU Governors and Friends, Dental School faculty, alumni and other guests, TAU President Joseph Klafter said: “One of the first crises I encountered when I began my term as Tel Aviv University President in 2010 was the threat of closure of the Dental School. There had been many ups and downs through the years, but this time it seemed that we had reached a critical juncture – either to remain open or to close the School forever,” he said. “We remained open! It was a good decision. Today, I’m happy to see the School not only on its feet again, but dreaming big for the future.”

Head of the Goldschleger School Prof. Erwin Weiss said, “We are launching an ambitious campaign that will double our student population, implement a clinical curriculum based on high-tech digital dentistry, expand basic research and improve service to Israel’s needy and underserved populations,” he said. The School’s goal is to raise $40 million over the next 5 years.  

Prof. Klafter noted the invaluable role played by the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity in its unwavering commitment to the Dental School over the last four decades. “Alpha Omega is a wonderful professional group that really cares about dentistry and really cares about Israel,” he said. “It’s been a driving force in the School’s development almost from its very beginnings up until the present day.”

Former International President of the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and TAU Governor Dr. Ben Williamowsky, who played a major role in spearheading the founding of the School, addressed the crowd. “I am infused by the energy of all the people here. You have no idea how many dentists have given their life blood to this School,” he said. “I am today overwhelmed by all we have accomplished for the Dental School and all I can say is, nothing but upward for the School and for the future!” 

Alpha Omega President Dr. Wendy Spektor said, “We have been very involved in the School’s growth and the founding of its clinics. Our dream now is to keep apace of dental technology and encourage dental companies to look at Israel as an ideal opportunity.”

Also speaking were Dean of Medicine Prof. Ehud Grossman and Acting Associate Director-General of the Ministry of Health Prof. Arnon Afek.

The day following the celebrations was devoted to showcasing student research with presentations by MSc and PhD students.

Guests celebrating the 40 year anniversary of TAU's Dental School

The French Connection

In a separate event, moderated by TAU Governor Dr. André Amiach and held in the presence of Head of the Goldschleger School Prof. Erwin Weiss, the French Friends inaugurated two dental treatment rooms that provide a sophisticated venue for dental training and care. The Hodara Family Room was dedicated by Helene Hodara in memory of her parents Anszel and Rifka Dawid and her brother Arie, who died tragically at a young age. The David and Julien Amiach, Stephan, Fabrice and Jérémy Boublil, Daniel and Olivier Cattan Room was also inaugurated.

French Friends President Prof. François Heilbronn recalled that the Dental School was founded 40 years ago by a Frenchman, Maurice Goldschleger, with the assistance of the French Friends, which was led at that time by its founding president, the late Hugo Ramniceanu. Prof. Heilbronn thanked Dr. Amiach and all the donors for their efforts to revive the School and rebuild it over the last ten years.

From left: Prof. Erwin Weiss, Head of the Dental School, Prof. François Heilbronn, Michèle Amiach, Dr. André Amiach, Alpha Omega President Dr. Wendy Spektor

All photos by Assaf Silo/Israel Sun.