Dr. Jack L. Ferracane stands as a preeminent authority in dental materials science with a distinguished career spanning over three decades at Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry. He most recently served as Professor and Chair of the Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences Department before transitioning to Emeritus status following his retirement after 36 years of dedicated service. Previously, he held the position of Professor and Chair of Restorative Dentistry while directing the Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics at OHSU for nearly two decades. A graduate with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois and advanced degrees from Northwestern University, his academic journey established the foundation for his groundbreaking contributions to dental materials research. His leadership extended internationally as an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry in the United Kingdom since 2006.
Dr. Ferracane's research legacy encompasses 348 peer-reviewed publications since 1981 and eight influential textbooks that have shaped dental materials education worldwide. His pioneering work in dental composites, polymerization behavior, and mechanical properties of restorative materials has generated over $29 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and private industry partners. Holding ten patents for innovative dental materials technologies, his scientific contributions have fundamentally advanced the field's understanding of material performance and longevity in clinical applications. The exceptional impact of his work is reflected in his extensive presentation record, having delivered more than 80 international and national conference lectures across every continent except Antarctica. His research continues to serve as the gold standard for dental materials evaluation and development in both academic and industrial settings.
As the 45th President of the American Association for Dental Research from 2016-2017, Dr. Ferracane provided visionary leadership that strengthened the organization's global impact and research advocacy. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for both JADA Foundational Science, a journal he established, and Dental Materials, the premier publication in his field, maintaining his influence on scholarly discourse. Recognized with numerous honors including the prestigious Hollenback Memorial Prize and election as a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers, his contributions extend beyond research to mentoring generations of dental scientists. Though retired from his faculty position, Dr. Ferracane remains actively engaged in the scientific community while pursuing personal interests including church volunteer work and supporting his beloved Chicago Cubs. His enduring legacy continues to shape the future of dental materials science through his publications, editorial leadership, and the professional development of countless researchers he has mentored throughout his remarkable career.
