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, which has been presented annually since 2003, 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 an internationally known expert in endodontology – 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 more than 100 published manuscripts or abstracts and more than 50 scholarly presentations.
The residency program that he leads is recognized as one of the strongest in the country, and has produced many leaders in dental education, research, and clinical dentistry.
Dr. R. Lamont MacNeil, dean of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, says, “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 Safavi, “I am very proud to be a UConn Health faculty member.”
Safavi received his 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 UConn School of Dental Medicine as director of Advanced Education Residency Program in Endodontology, a position he has held continuously for the past 37 years. He became a diplomate 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 faculty peers and staff, he received the Health Center’s Doctor’s Day Award, which recognized his dedication to excellence and collaboration.
