Eli Eliav Named Director of Eastman Institute for Oral Health

Eli Eliav, D.M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., has been named director of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center and vice dean for Oral Health within the School of Medicine and Dentistry. A widely published expert in oral medicine and orofacial pain, Eliav has been serving as the chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, director of the Center for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, and is the Carmel Endowed chair in Algesiology at the New Jersey Dental School, part of University of Medicine and Dentistry at New Jersey.

“Dr. Eliav’s demonstrated leadership abilities, combined with his extensive academic, clinical and research experience make him a perfect fit to lead the entire oral health enterprise within the medical center,” said Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Among many career highlights, Eliav has a longstanding history for gaining support from National Institutes of Health, as well as funding for industry research and service grants. He has served on the editorial and scientific boards for several major journals, presently serving as editor-in-chief of Quintessence International, which provides vital information and special reports on clinical and research advances related to all dentistry disciplines.

“When I was a resident in Jerusalem in the early ‘90’s, I heard great things about Eastman and its excellence in postgraduate education, research and clinical care,” said Eliav. “I would have never believed it if someone told me then that one day I would be director of this fine institution. I’m excited about what the future holds for Eastman Institute and the Medical Center.”

Eliav earned his dental and post graduate degrees and completed his residency training in Oral Medicine at Hebrew University in his native Israel. He then completed a research fellowship at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research related to pain and neurosensory mechanisms. He joined the New Jersey Dental School as an associate professor in 2004.

 “Eli’s career path as an academician, researcher and clinician make him an outstanding choice to continue the momentum that the Eastman Institute for Oral Health has gained through its recent clinical re-engineering initiative and other efforts to expand and enhance its education, clinical and research programs,” said Mark B. Taubman, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, who served as chair of the search committee.

“The blend of teaching, research and clinical components with Eastman Institute presents unique challenges, and Dr. Eliav has addressed them by offering a solid vision for Eastman, with some innovative and exciting ideas to maximize our potential in all three areas,” said William Calnon, D.D.S., acting EIOH director and president of the Eastman Dental Center Foundation Board.

Eliav begins September 1.