Dr. Kamran Safavi, an international leader in the field of endodontology, is this year’s recipient of the UConn Health Board of Directors Faculty Recognition Award. The award has been presented annually at Commencement since 2003 and recognizes academic, administrative, and clinical excellence.
Safavi is currently chair of the School of Dental Medicine’s Division of Endodontology in the Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences and director of the Advanced Education Residency Program in Endodontology.
During his 37 years at UConn Health, Safavi has established himself as a world-renowned expert in endodontology, which is the study of dental pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Endodontic treatment is needed when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.
Safavi’s research focuses on better understanding of pulpal inflammation and pulpal-origin infection and has resulted in over 100 published manuscripts or abstracts and more than 50 scholarly presentations. The residency program which he leads is recognized as one of the strongest in the country and has produced many leaders in dental education, research, and clinical dentistry.
“Beyond these academic accomplishments, Safavi is perhaps best known for his kind and calming demeanor, his compassionate approach to patient care, his deep interest in those he mentors, and for his affection for and dedication to UConn Health which has been his academic home for his entire professional career,” says Dr. R. Lamont MacNeil, dean of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.
“I am very proud to be a UConn Health faculty member and humbled to win this award,” says Safavi.
Dr. Safavi received a DMD degree from the University of Tehran in 1966, a Certificate in restorative dentistry from the University of London in 1971, and a Master in Education degree and certificate in Endodontology from the Medical College of Virginia in 1978. He then joined the School of Dental Medicine as director of Advanced Education Residency Program in Endodontology, a position he has held continuously over the past 37 years. He became a diplomat of the American Board of Endodontics in 1984 and was named chair of the Division of Endodontology in 2005.
In 2010, based on nomination by his faculty peers and staff, he was recognized for his dedication to excellence and collaboration in being named a recipient of UConn Health’s Doctor’s Day Award.