Professor and Dean | University of Pennsylvania | United States
Dr. Mark Steven Wolff is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher with a career spanning over four decades. Currently serving as the Morton Amsterdam Dean and Professor of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Wolff is celebrated for his innovative contributions to oral biology, preventive dentistry, and dental education.
Profile
Orcid
Scopus
Strengths for the Awards
- Extensive Academic and Professional Experience:
- Over four decades of professional experience, including teaching, research, and clinical practice.
- Held leadership roles, such as Morton Amsterdam Dean and Professor of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, which highlight his influence in academia.
- Served as Director of multiple programs, including Operative Dentistry and Advanced Education in General Dentistry.
- Research Excellence:
- Published extensively, with works in high-impact journals like Journal of Periodontal Research and Dental Clinics of North America.
- Authored chapters on cariology, dental esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry, reflecting his significant contributions to advancing dental research.
- His publications address both fundamental science (e.g., collagenase activity in periodontal disease) and clinical topics (e.g., desensitizing dentifrices), demonstrating breadth and depth in research.
- Recognition and Leadership in Professional Societies:
- Dr. Wolff has served as President of the American Association of Oral Biologists and held multiple leadership roles in the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
- Founding Chairperson of the ADEA Cariology Special Interest Group, showcasing his ability to pioneer and lead research initiatives.
Education 🎓
Dr. Wolff earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook in 1977, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from SUNY’s School of Dental Medicine in 1981. He pursued advanced training through a General Practice Residency and an Externship in Periodontal Therapy at the Northport Veterans Administration Medical Center. His academic journey culminated in a PhD in Oral Biology and Pathology (1997), with a thesis focused on oral fluid dynamics, further solidifying his expertise in the field.
Experience
Dr. Wolff has an extensive professional background, beginning with a private family dental practice from 1982 to 2018 in Stony Brook, NY. His academic career includes serving as a faculty member at SUNY’s School of Dental Medicine, where he rose to leadership roles such as Director of Operative Dentistry and Chairman of the Department of General Dentistry. He has been actively involved in professional organizations like the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Association of Oral Biologists, holding prominent positions such as President and Councilor.
Research Interests On Dentistry 🔬
Dr. Wolff’s research focuses on cariology, dental materials, and oral biology, with a particular interest in the mechanisms of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid flow, tissue collagenase activity, and the efficacy of dental hypersensitivity treatments. His work bridges clinical applications with fundamental science, benefiting both patients and the broader dental community.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Wolff has been recognized with numerous accolades throughout his career, including:
- Dentsply International Fixed Partial Prosthodontics Award (1981)
- Pierre Fauchard Academy Outstanding Achievement Award (1981)
- Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (1986)
- Outstanding Achievement Award for Dental Care for the Developmentally Disabled (1992)
- Certificates of Recognition for his efforts during the TWA Flight 800 Disaster Team (1996).
Publications 📚
- Sustainable oral healthcare: what is it and how do we achieve it?
- Authors: Beaton, L.; Boyle, J.; Cassie, H.; …; West, M.; Wolff, M.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- A Pilot Study Exploring Caregivers’ Experiences Related to the Use of a Smart Toothbrush by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Authors: France, K.; Urquhart, O.; Ko, E.; …; Corby, P.M.; Wolff, M.S.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
- Current speed sintering and high-speed sintering protocols compromise the translucency but not strength of yttria-stabilized zirconia
- Authors: Alshahrani, A.M.; Lim, C.H.; Wolff, M.S.; Janal, M.N.; Zhang, Y.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 5
- Leveraging technology to increase the disseminability of evidence-based treatment of dental fear: An uncontrolled pilot study
- Authors: Heyman, R.E.; Daly, K.A.; Slep, A.M.S.; Wolff, M.S.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- Orthodontic–orthognathic combined case management in postgraduate orthodontic and oral maxillofacial surgery programs
- Authors: Xu, J.; Wang, S.; Yu, W.; …; Wolff, M.S.; Li, C.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- Exploring dental students’ attitudes toward patient-centered management of dental fear
- Authors: Daly, K.A.; Heyman, R.E.; Shuster, M.; Smith Slep, A.M.; Wolff, M.S.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
- Strategies for managing dental care for refugee patients
- Authors: Nadella, S.; Asi, A.; Sheridan, O.; Wolff, M.; Panchal, N.
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 0
- HOCl Rapidly Kills Corona, Flu, and Herpes to Prevent Aerosol Spread
- Authors: Guan, H.; Nuth, M.; Weiss, S.R.; …; Wolff, M.S.; Ricciardi, R.P.
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 3
- Changes in Dental Outcomes After Implementation of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax
- Authors: Petimar, J.; Gibson, L.A.; Wolff, M.S.; …; Block, J.P.; Roberto, C.A.
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 8
- Penntorship: The value of mentoring during a pandemic
- Authors: Berenblum, J.R.; Schlesinger, K.T.; Aigbokhan, I.O.; Wolff, M.S.; Gluch, J.I.
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 2
Conclusion 🎯
Dr. Mark Steven Wolff’s career exemplifies a dedication to advancing dental education, research, and practice. From pioneering research in oral biology to mentoring future dentists, his work continues to shape the field of dentistry, making him a prominent figure in academic and clinical settings.
