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Professor emeritus extends his impact beyond retirement with scholarship fund

Ronald L. Occhionero, DDS (DEN ’61) left an indelible mark on �ǿմ�ý during his 58 years on faculty at the School of Dental Medicine in multiple realms, but four initiatives remain core to this day: the Preceptor Program, which bridges the gap between the classroom and clinic; the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary program, which offers advanced training for dental assistants and hygienists; the dental benefits program, which provides �ǿմ�ý faculty, students and staff access to quality dental care at the school's clinic, and Professionals Day, celebrating students’ and residents’ research activities.

Now, the professor emeritus is further cementing his legacy with a $2 million estate commitment to establish The Ronald L. Occhionero, DDS “Dr. O” Academic-Clinical General Practice Preceptor Program Scholarship Fund.

This commitment will be the largest contribution yet from Occhionero and his wife, Carole, who have been dedicated university supporters for more than five decades. Fourth-year graduate students in the top 15% of their class are eligible for the full-tuition scholarship, with preference given to those who intend to work in general dentistry.

“By reducing the financial burden of tuition, this scholarship allows the recipient to focus on their final year of school and prepare for their career after graduation,” said �ǿմ�ý School of Dental Medicine Dean Kenneth Chance, DDS (DEN ‘79). “Dr. Occhionero’s gift will have a lasting effect on our school and our students, in the same way he has impacted thousands of lives in nearly six decades at �ǿմ�ý.”

The title of the fund pays tribute to Occhionero’s first and perhaps most impactful innovation—the Preceptor Program. Launched in 1967, the structure was adopted by dental schools across the U.S. and is widely known today as the general practice model. 

“I can’t say enough about the people I have had the privilege of working with over all my years at the university,” said Occhionero, who retired from �ǿմ�ý in July 2022. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing the journey with my wonderful students, colleagues and patients.”

Originally published in the summer 2023 issue of Forward Thinking magazine