Introduction
Craig B Henderson DMD is a distinguished American dentist, researcher, and educator whose career spans several decades of clinical practice, scholarly publication, and leadership within professional dental organizations. His work has focused on restorative dentistry, oral pathology, and the integration of evidence-based approaches into everyday practice. Henderson has contributed to the development of several dental materials and techniques that have been widely adopted in contemporary dental care. In addition to his clinical expertise, he has mentored numerous students and young professionals, fostering the next generation of dental leaders.
Early Life and Education
Background
Born in 1958 in Chicago, Illinois, Craig B Henderson grew up in a middle‑class family that placed a high value on education and community service. His parents, both school teachers, encouraged him to pursue a career that would combine scientific rigor with public benefit. From an early age, Henderson displayed a keen interest in biology and an aptitude for fine motor skills, traits that would later prove essential in dental practice.
Academic Training
Henderson attended the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1980. He then applied to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, completing his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1984. During his dental school tenure, he served as a teaching assistant in the department of Oral Biology, and his senior thesis on enamel remineralization received departmental recognition for its innovative approach to cariogenic research.
After graduation, Henderson pursued a residency in General Dentistry at the Mayo Clinic, which he completed in 1986. The residency program provided him with exposure to a broad range of patient demographics and complex restorative cases, solidifying his interest in both clinical excellence and research. During this period, he began contributing to peer-reviewed journals, publishing early investigations on fluoride delivery systems.
Professional Career
Dental Practice
In 1986, Craig Henderson established a private dental practice in suburban Detroit, Michigan. The practice initially focused on general dentistry and preventive care but gradually evolved into a multidisciplinary clinic offering comprehensive restorative services, including crowns, bridges, and implant placements. Over the years, Henderson’s practice gained a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and patient-centered care, attracting a diverse patient base that included high-profile individuals in the local business community.
Henderson’s clinical philosophy centers on the integration of minimally invasive techniques and digital imaging technologies. He was among the first clinicians in the region to adopt intraoral scanners in 2002, significantly reducing chairside time and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. By 2008, he had incorporated CAD/CAM systems for the fabrication of ceramic restorations, streamlining workflow and improving material consistency.
Academic Positions
In 1995, Henderson joined the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry as an associate professor of Restorative Dentistry. His appointment reflected both his clinical proficiency and his growing research portfolio. In 2003, he was promoted to full professor and served as the department chair from 2005 to 2010. During his tenure as chair, he spearheaded the expansion of the department’s graduate program, increasing enrollment by 30% and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with the School of Engineering.
After stepping down as chair, Henderson continued to serve in an adjunct capacity, focusing on mentoring doctoral students and supervising clinical research projects. He also held visiting appointments at several institutions, including the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Hong Kong, where he delivered lectures on restorative material science and digital dentistry.
Research Interests
Craig Henderson’s research agenda has consistently revolved around improving the longevity and aesthetics of dental restorations. Key thematic areas include:
- Material Science – Investigating the properties of composite resins, glass ionomer cements, and ceramic materials to enhance mechanical strength and biocompatibility.
- Bioactive Surface Treatments – Developing coatings and surface modifications that promote remineralization and reduce secondary caries.
- Digital Dentistry – Evaluating the clinical outcomes of intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM systems, and 3D printing technologies in restorative workflows.
- Patient‑Centered Outcomes – Studying patient satisfaction, functional efficiency, and cost‑effectiveness across various restorative modalities.
His laboratory, housed within the University of Michigan’s Center for Oral Health, routinely collaborates with the Materials Science Department and the Biomedical Engineering Division. This interdisciplinary approach has enabled the translation of bench‑side discoveries into clinical protocols.
Key Contributions
Clinical Innovations
Henderson’s clinical innovations have had a lasting influence on contemporary restorative practice. Among the most notable achievements is his development of a hybrid restoration technique, now referred to as the Henderson Hybrid Protocol (HHP). The HHP combines resin‑bonded ceramic veneers with a modified surface conditioning protocol that enhances bond strength and reduces microleakage. Clinical trials published in the late 2000s demonstrated a 15% increase in restoration survival rates over a five‑year period compared with traditional resin‑bonded techniques.
In addition, Henderson pioneered a minimally invasive implant protocol that reduces bone loss by utilizing custom‑fit abutments fabricated through digital workflows. This protocol has been adopted by multiple implant manufacturers and is referenced in several textbooks on implant dentistry.
Research Publications
Craig Henderson has authored over 180 peer‑reviewed articles, with citations exceeding 4,200. His most frequently cited works include:
- Henderson CB, et al. “Bioactive Glass–Composite Interfaces: A Comparative Study.” Journal of Dental Research, 2005.
- Henderson CB, et al. “Digital Impressions vs. Conventional Impressions: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2009.
- Henderson CB. “Optimizing Bond Strength in Resin‑Bonded Ceramic Restorations.” Dental Materials, 2012.
Beyond journal articles, Henderson has contributed chapters to several leading dental textbooks, including “Fundamentals of Restorative Dentistry” and “Materials for Modern Dentistry.” His editorial role on the board of the Journal of Dental Research further underscores his influence in shaping scholarly discourse.
Professional Service
Henderson has served in numerous leadership capacities within professional dental organizations. From 2011 to 2014, he was the President of the American College of Dentists, during which time he championed initiatives for continuing education and public oral health advocacy. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the American Dental Association (ADA) from 2015 to 2018, contributing to policy discussions on dental insurance reform and workforce diversification.
In recognition of his service, Henderson was appointed to the National Commission on Dental Health in 2019, where he helped develop national strategies for oral health education in schools. His expertise was also called upon by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to advise on the implementation of community water fluoridation programs across several states.
Awards and Honors
Craig B Henderson has received numerous awards reflecting both his scientific achievements and his dedication to professional service. Highlights include:
- ADA Distinguished Service Award (2003)
- American College of Dentists President's Award (2014)
- National Dental Research Foundation Award for Excellence in Material Science (2010)
- International Dental Materials Society Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
- University of Michigan Faculty Excellence Award (2021)
In addition to these recognitions, Henderson has been granted honorary fellowships by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, acknowledging his global impact on dental practice.
Controversies and Criticisms
While Craig Henderson’s career has been largely celebrated, it has not been free of controversy. Critics have questioned the commercial aspects of his research, particularly the partnerships with dental material companies. Allegations arose in 2012 that certain studies funded by manufacturers exhibited publication bias in favor of proprietary products. Henderson publicly addressed these concerns, emphasizing the independence of his data analysis and the adherence to ethical research guidelines.
Another point of contention involved the Henderson Hybrid Protocol’s cost implications. Some practitioners reported that the initial investment for the necessary digital equipment exceeded the projected return on investment. In response, Henderson published a cost‑benefit analysis in 2015, providing a framework for clinicians to evaluate the economic viability of the protocol based on practice size and patient demographics.
Despite these challenges, Henderson maintained a reputation for transparency. He has consistently disclosed funding sources in his publications and has advocated for rigorous peer review processes within the dental research community.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional endeavors, Craig Henderson is known for his commitment to community service and artistic pursuits. He has served on the board of the Detroit Public Library, contributing to literacy initiatives for underserved populations. Henderson also enjoys photography, often capturing images of natural landscapes and urban architecture, which he has exhibited in local galleries.
Henderson is married to Dr. Susan Miller, a licensed orthodontist. Together they have two children, both of whom pursued careers in health sciences. The Henderson family is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including donations to the University of Michigan’s dental school scholarship fund and support for community dental health camps in rural Michigan.
Legacy and Impact
Craig B Henderson’s multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of dentistry. His clinical innovations have improved patient outcomes and set new standards for restorative quality. His research has advanced the scientific understanding of dental materials, influencing product development worldwide. Moreover, his mentorship has shaped the careers of countless dental professionals, ensuring that his influence extends well beyond his own practice and publications.
In the broader context of dental education, Henderson’s leadership in integrating digital technologies into curricula has prepared generations of dentists to navigate an increasingly technology‑driven landscape. His advocacy for evidence‑based practice has reinforced the importance of scientific rigor in clinical decision‑making, thereby enhancing the credibility of the dental profession in the public eye.
Overall, Craig B Henderson stands as a prominent figure whose blend of clinical excellence, scholarly activity, and public service exemplifies the ideals of modern dentistry. His legacy continues to inspire emerging dentists and researchers, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and patient‑focused care.
External Links
University of Michigan School of Dentistry Faculty Directory – Craig B Henderson DMD profile
American College of Dentists – Presidential History
American Dental Association – Board of Trustees Records
National Commission on Dental Health – Annual Reports
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