Brent Larson retires after more than twenty years of service

Brent Larson, DDS, MS, professor and director of the Division of Orthodontics, retired in June after more than twenty years at the school.

Larson earned his DDS from the School of Dentistry in 1981, then completed a General Practice Residency through the United States Air Force. After three years practicing general dentistry, he pursued a Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of North Carolina in 1987. He remained in the Air Force as an orthodontist for three years, before moving to the Mayo Clinic as program director of orthodontics. In 1996, he transitioned to private practice, where he would continue for 25 years.

Larson joined the School of Dentistry in 2004 as director of the Division of Orthodontics. Throughout his tenure at the school, he served in a variety of capacities, including as Interim Chair of the Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences and Assistant Dean for Advanced Education, as well as engaging with committee work and strategic planning.

“[Larson] is a strong leader who worked collaboratively with everyone,” shared Larry Wolff, MS, PhD, DDS, professor of periodontology, who served as Chair of the Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences during a portion of Larson’s tenure. “His ability to work collegially and constructively with faculty, staff and students led to him leaving a strong division with an excellent reputation. He is a visionary in digital technology, an outstanding clinical practitioner and a dedicated researcher.”

In addition to his leadership, Larson engaged in research on the validation of orthodontic materials and treatments, publishing numerous articles and book chapters. Much like his work with colleagues, Larson’s research remained ever-focused on the human aspect of dentistry and the betterment of the patient.

“He has a unique interest in and knack for understanding and applying cutting-edge science and technology to clinical care, which he has put to  good use in building one of the strongest orthodontic programs in the world,” shared Gary Anderson, DDS, MS, dean emeritus. “This talent is balanced by a remarkable feeling for people. The school has often benefitted from his capacity and willingness to take on additional tasks on behalf of the school and his profession.”

He engaged in professional dentistry, serving as president of the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists.

Larson was honored as a Distinguished Dental Alumnus of the School of Dentistry in 2012, and he was named Century Club Professor of the Year—one of the school’s greatest traditions and the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member—in 2017.

Though his mark on orthodontics, patient care, research and education is innumerable, perhaps the most lasting legacy Larson will leave at the school is his care for and dedication to others.

“His wisdom, dedication and commitment in addressing many tasks for our school will always be appreciated—but most of all, I will miss seeing Dr. Larson  in the halls of Moos Tower, where he always had time to say hello,” Wolff reflected. “His time here made our school better, and it was an honor to have Dr. Larson as a colleague in our School of Dentistry.”

Anderson, who first knew Larson as an undergraduate student, considers Larson “a trusted professional colleague,” and “a person who makes a good day better and helps to make a bad day tolerable for those around him.”

It is no surprise that the connections he built and the team he grew are Larson’s proudest accomplishments and his favorite memories from his time at the school.

“We have created a culture of innovation and excellence that I expect to continue in the future,” Larson reflected. “I am extremely proud of the team of talented faculty and amazing staff that have made the orthodontic division and our educational program one of the premier programs in the country.”

As his colleagues continue their work at the school, Larson hopes they embrace both joy and hard work.

“Dentistry and orthodontics are wonderful professions where we can help people every day. As you go about your work, don’t forget to find the joy in what we do, and help those around you find their happiness as well,” he said. And to his residents, “keep our profession strong by supporting our educational programs in any way you can. Remember the only thing that defines our profession is our education, so if we lose our educational excellence we lose our profession.”

As he retires, Larson looks forward to spending time with his wife, Cindy, and his children and grandchildren.