Smiles we remember

Professor Emeritus Dr. Terry Rees, a 1968 periodontics alumnus, was dogged in prioritizing stomatology care on behalf of the estimated 3 to 4 percent of Americans suffering from unusual and debilitating diseases of the mouth. He directed the Stomatology Center in the Department of Periodontics for 33 years, also serving as professor and department head for 13 years.

This dedicated, skillful clinician and advocate passed away Nov. 15, but his impact will continue through the initiatives he advanced at Texas A&M College of Dentistry.

In 1984, no treatment center existed in the South or Southwest to care for stomatology patients, and Rees stepped in as founding director of the college’s answer to that need, which was established with financial help from the Hoblitzelle Foundation of Dallas. He achieved an international reputation for this referral, training and research center, one of only a handful in the U.S.

Former students, practicing periodontists, faculty colleagues and stomatology patients hailed not only Rees’ willingness to share his time and vast professional knowledge but his kindness as well. He was a resource for helping to solve some of the most demanding cases. Rees received the American Academy of Periodontology’s outstanding educator award in 2013. Among expansive credentials, he was a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Oral Medicine.

Dental education was actually his second career: Rees joined the college after retiring from the U.S. Army Dental Corps. He is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and received his dental degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis.

Rees retired in August 2017 and was subsequently honored with emeritus status. The $1 million Dr. Terry Rees Endowed Chair in Stomatology, established through the generosity of individual and corporate donors, perpetuates his legacy.

At his retirement reception, Rees’ summation of all the praise and adoration was understated as always: “I’m just another guy trying to do a good job.”

He is survived by his wife, Bo, with whom he shared life and all its adventures for decades. A memorial service is planned Friday, Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at Northridge Presbyterian Church, 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr. in Dallas.