Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Early Life and Education
- Professional Career
- Academic Contributions
- Research Interests
- Clinical Practice
- Professional Service and Leadership
- Awards and Honors
- Publications
- Personal Life
- Legacy and Impact
- References
Introduction
Craig B. Henderson, DMD, is a distinguished dentist, academic researcher, and professional leader whose work has significantly influenced contemporary dental practice and education. Holding a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of California, San Francisco, Henderson has served in multiple capacities across clinical settings, research institutions, and professional organizations. His career is characterized by a commitment to advancing restorative dentistry, promoting patient-centered care, and fostering the next generation of dental professionals.
Over a span exceeding four decades, Henderson has combined clinical expertise with scholarly inquiry, contributing to both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of modern dentistry. He has held professorial appointments, chaired departments, and led research teams that have explored biomaterials, oral pathology, and digital imaging. His work is recognized by numerous professional societies, and he has been an influential figure in shaping national guidelines for dental care.
Early Life and Education
Family Background and Childhood
Craig B. Henderson was born in 1958 in San Diego, California. Growing up in a family that valued education, his parents encouraged curiosity in the sciences and humanities alike. His father, a mechanical engineer, introduced him to the principles of design and mechanics, while his mother, a schoolteacher, fostered a love for learning and community service. The blend of technical and educational influences laid the groundwork for Henderson’s future interdisciplinary approach to dentistry.
Secondary Education
Henderson attended the local public high school, where he distinguished himself in biology and chemistry. He earned the distinction of valedictorian and received the school's Outstanding Science Award during his senior year. During this period, he also participated in volunteer dental outreach programs in underserved communities, which sparked his interest in oral health as a public service.
Undergraduate Studies
He matriculated at Stanford University in 1976, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Throughout his undergraduate career, Henderson maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9 and engaged in research projects focused on protein structure and enzymatic activity. He served as a teaching assistant for introductory biology courses, refining his communication skills and nurturing an interest in academic mentorship.
Dental School
In 1980, Henderson was admitted to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, one of the nation’s leading dental institutions. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1984, with honors in prosthodontics and oral surgery. During his dental training, Henderson completed an elective in dental materials science, laying the foundation for his later research in restorative materials.
Postgraduate Training
Following graduation, Henderson undertook a residency in restorative dentistry at the UCSF Department of Prosthodontics. He specialized in ceramic and composite restorative techniques, gaining extensive clinical experience in both in-office and surgical settings. He also completed a fellowship in oral pathology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), broadening his diagnostic acumen and research capabilities.
Professional Career
Early Clinical Practice
Henderson began his professional journey as a private practitioner in San Diego, focusing on comprehensive restorative dentistry. His practice, established in 1988, was noted for its emphasis on aesthetic outcomes and patient education. Over the next decade, Henderson built a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and innovative use of materials, attracting a diverse patient base ranging from young adults to the elderly.
Academic Appointments
In 1995, Henderson transitioned to academia, accepting a faculty position at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry. He served as an associate professor in the Department of Prosthodontics, where he taught courses in restorative materials, digital imaging, and advanced tooth preparation techniques. His pedagogical approach integrated case-based learning with hands-on laboratories, fostering critical thinking among students.
Department Chair
Elevated to the role of Chair of the Department of Prosthodontics at UCLA in 2002, Henderson oversaw curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and research portfolio expansion. Under his leadership, the department achieved accreditation renewal and implemented a robust interdisciplinary program that partnered with the School of Dental Hygiene and the School of Oral Health Sciences. Henderson’s administrative strategies emphasized evidence-based practice and technology integration.
International Collaboration
Throughout his tenure at UCLA, Henderson maintained collaborative ties with international institutions. He participated in joint research projects with universities in Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, focusing on biomaterial innovation and patient outcomes. These collaborations facilitated cross-cultural exchange of ideas and fostered global perspectives in prosthetic dentistry.
Academic Contributions
Curriculum Development
Henderson played a pivotal role in redesigning the prosthodontics curriculum at UCLA, integrating contemporary topics such as digital dentistry, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and regenerative materials. He introduced modules on patient-centered care and ethical considerations, ensuring that graduates were equipped for modern clinical realities.
Faculty Mentorship
Over his academic career, Henderson supervised more than 30 doctoral dissertations and mentored over 50 master’s theses. His mentorship style emphasized rigorous scientific methodology, clinical relevance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Many of his mentees have become leaders in academia, industry, and clinical practice.
Institutional Leadership
Beyond departmental responsibilities, Henderson served on several university committees, including the Board of Student Affairs and the Committee on Academic Excellence. He advocated for increased research funding and championed initiatives to incorporate simulation labs into dental education, enhancing student competency in complex procedures.
Research Interests
Dental Biomaterials
Central to Henderson’s research agenda is the development of biocompatible dental materials. His laboratory has investigated the mechanical properties of ceramic composites, adhesive systems, and resin-based composites. The goal has been to enhance the longevity of restorations and minimize marginal degradation.
Digital Imaging and CAD/CAM
Henderson’s work also extends to digital imaging modalities and CAD/CAM technology. He has evaluated the accuracy of intraoral scanners, the effectiveness of digital workflow in restorative procedures, and the integration of artificial intelligence for diagnostic support. These studies contribute to the standardization of digital protocols in clinical settings.
Oral Pathology and Diagnostic Algorithms
With a background in oral pathology, Henderson has explored diagnostic algorithms for early detection of oral cancers and other pathologic lesions. His research has incorporated histopathologic analysis with imaging biomarkers, providing a more comprehensive framework for screening and diagnosis.
Patient-Centered Outcomes
Understanding the patient experience, Henderson has conducted outcome research measuring satisfaction, functional outcomes, and quality of life following restorative procedures. These studies aim to align clinical success with patient perception, informing best practices and policy recommendations.
Clinical Practice
Innovative Treatment Protocols
Henderson has pioneered several treatment protocols that emphasize minimally invasive techniques, such as resin infiltration and selective caries removal. He has demonstrated the efficacy of these methods in reducing procedural morbidity while maintaining high restoration success rates.
Digital Dentistry Integration
In his private practice, Henderson fully embraced digital dentistry. He implemented a comprehensive CAD/CAM system that allows for same-day restorations, significantly improving patient convenience and reducing treatment time. His practice also employs digital smile design tools, enhancing aesthetic planning and patient communication.
Quality Assurance and Safety
Henderson’s practice is noted for its stringent quality assurance measures, including regular calibration of instruments, implementation of infection control protocols, and adherence to occupational safety guidelines. He has published case studies on the reduction of cross-contamination risks through optimized clinic workflow.
Community Outreach
Committed to public health, Henderson has organized mobile dental clinics that serve low-income communities. These initiatives provide preventive services, oral health education, and limited restorative care, addressing disparities in dental access and outcomes.
Professional Service and Leadership
American Dental Association
Henderson has served on several committees within the American Dental Association (ADA), including the Committee on Evidence-Based Dentistry and the Committee on Prosthodontic Practices. His contributions include drafting guidelines for material selection and restorative procedures, which are widely adopted by practitioners.
Society for Prosthodontic Research
As a member of the Society for Prosthodontic Research, Henderson has delivered keynote addresses at national conferences, disseminating his findings on biomaterials and digital workflows. He also served as the society’s Secretary-Treasurer, managing financial planning and publication processes.
Educational Initiatives
Henderson has been a founding member of the National Consortium for Dental Education, promoting interprofessional education and shared resources among dental schools. He has also mentored several scholarship programs aimed at encouraging underrepresented students to pursue dentistry.
Peer Review and Editorial Boards
Henderson serves on the editorial boards of several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and the Journal of Dental Research. His role involves evaluating manuscripts for methodological rigor, relevance, and ethical compliance, thereby influencing the direction of dental research.
Awards and Honors
Clinical Excellence Award
In 2005, Henderson received the Clinical Excellence Award from the California Dental Association for his contributions to restorative dentistry and commitment to patient education.
Research Fellowship Award
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research granted Henderson a Research Fellowship in 2009, supporting his investigations into ceramic composites and digital imaging.
Academic Leadership Award
In 2014, UCLA honored Henderson with the Academic Leadership Award for his innovative curriculum reforms and mentorship of junior faculty.
International Recognition
Henderson’s work has been recognized globally; he was invited to deliver the keynote at the International Conference on Dental Biomaterials in 2017 and received the Outstanding International Contributor Award from the International Association for Dental Research.
Publications
Craig B. Henderson has authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles, 15 book chapters, and multiple conference proceedings. His publications span topics such as restorative material science, digital dentistry, oral pathology, and patient-reported outcomes. Selected works include:
- Henderson, C. B. (1999). "Advances in Ceramic Composites for Restorative Dentistry." Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
- Henderson, C. B., & Lee, S. (2003). "Digital Smile Design: An Evidence-Based Approach." Journal of Dental Education.
- Henderson, C. B. (2008). "Biomimetic Adhesive Systems: Current Status and Future Directions." Journal of Dental Research.
- Henderson, C. B. et al. (2011). "Patient-Centered Outcomes in Restorative Dentistry: A Systematic Review." Journal of Dental Medicine.
- Henderson, C. B. (2015). "Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Oral Diagnosis." Journal of Dental Research.
Personal Life
Outside his professional endeavors, Henderson is known for his dedication to family and community. He married his high school sweetheart in 1986, and the couple has two children. The family resides in the San Diego area, where Henderson engages in recreational activities such as sailing, hiking, and community theater. He is also an active member of local environmental conservation groups, advocating for sustainable practices in healthcare settings.
Legacy and Impact
Craig B. Henderson’s career exemplifies a synthesis of clinical excellence, research innovation, and educational leadership. His contributions to restorative materials have set new standards for durability and biocompatibility. The curricular reforms he implemented have produced graduates who are proficient in both traditional techniques and emerging digital modalities. Henderson’s commitment to patient-centered outcomes has reinforced the importance of aligning clinical success with patient satisfaction. Through mentorship, community outreach, and professional service, he has influenced countless individuals and institutions, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of dentistry.
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