This year marks a significant milestone for Jerold S. Goldberg (DEN ‘70), professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, who has dedicated 50 years to the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Goldberg's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and influential leadership in the field of dental medicine.
Dr. Goldberg's association with Case Western Reserve began in 1966 when he enrolled as a dental student. After graduating in 1970, he completed a one-year general practice internship at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, followed by a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Case Western Reserve from 1971 to 1974. Immediately after completing his residency, he joined the faculty—marking the start of a distinguished academic career.
In 1985, Dr. Goldberg became the chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. His leadership journey continued as he served as interim dean in 1996, and in 1997, he was appointed dean—a role he fulfilled until 2014 when Kenneth Chance (DEN '79) succeeded him. Additionally, Dr. Goldberg served as interim dean of the medical school for a year in 2002.
One of Dr. Goldberg's significant contribution was his integral role in creating the university's first strategic plan, while also serving as interim provost. Under his leadership, the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery collaborated with faculty from both the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Medicine to establish a combined DMD and MD program. Launched in 1992, this innovative five-year program exemplifies Dr. Goldberg's forward-thinking approach.
Reflecting on the curriculum changes during his time as dean, Dr. Goldberg remarked, "Putting together a team with that level of support was really gratifying. All of the faculty was incredibly forward-thinking and strategic, holding qualities that were necessary for us to become the kind of dental school we wanted to become—and we became that."
Beyond his contributions to education, Dr. Goldberg was part of a mission to provide oral care to patients in Lithuania over 12 years. In recognition of his efforts, he was inducted into the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas by the president of Lithuania in 2003.
Under Dr. Goldberg's leadership as dean, the School of Dental Medicine underwent significant curriculum overhauls—emphasizing a "culture of inquiry." This new model encouraged students to actively engage in learning and seek to expand their knowledge throughout their careers. One notable faculty initiative during this time involved dental students providing sealants to thousands of Cleveland schoolchildren each year, offering hands-on training for students and essential oral health education for the community.
The curriculum revisions and innovative initiatives under Dr. Goldberg's guidance garnered extensive national recognition for the school. Additionally, the school's research portfolio expanded dramatically, with funding increasing from a couple hundred thousand dollars annually to several million in recent years—moving the school to rank 11th in the country in NIH dollars received in 2013. The number of principal investigators on major grants grew from one to a dozen, covering cutting-edge studies on AIDS, cancer, preterm birth and health disparities.
As we celebrate Dr. Jerold S. Goldberg's 50 years of dedication and service, we acknowledge his profound impact on the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. His legacy of excellence, innovation and leadership continues to inspire future generations of dental professionals.