included an increase of the predoctoral class size to 35, introduction of problem-based curriculum, and a switch from a 5-year program to a 4-year case-based curriculum. Harvard Odontological Society The Harvard Odontological Society was established in 1878 to promote education and good fellowship amongst graduates and faculty of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In continuous operation for over 130 years, the society meets four times a year in a Boston, Massachusetts venue to hold a regular business meeting and an educational presentation of interest to its members. Harvard Dental Alumni Association The Harvard School of Dental Medicine has an active group of over 2500 alumni who continue to participate in the day-to-day events of the school and are major contributors to the school's vision and goals for the new millennium. In addition to publishing a quarterly bulletin, marking the current events of the school as well as the achievements of alumni, the Association also sponsors the annual Gold Medal and Silver Medal awards at graduation, honoring the valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class, respectively. Early graduates Varaztad Kazanjian, pioneer in plastic surgery, Harvard's first Professor of Plastic Surgery, DMD 1905 Robert Tanner Freeman, first African-American graduate, DMD 1869 Nathan Cooley Keep, founder and first Dean of Harvard Dental School, DMD 1870 (Honorary) George Franklin Grant, first African-American faculty member at Harvard University, DMD 1870 Kurt Hermann Thoma, founder of American Board of Pathology, DMD 1911 Deans and former deans of US dental schools William Giannobile, Dean, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, DMSc '98, PD Perio '98 Michael C. Alfano, former Dean, New York University, current Executive Vice-President of New York University, PD Perio '74 Leon Assael, Editor Emeritus and former Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, former Dean, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, DMD '75 Frank A. Catalanotto, former Dean, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry Cert. '71 Bruce Donoff, former Dean, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, DMD '67, OMFS '71 Donald Giddon, former Dean, New York University College of Dentistry, DMD '67 James R. Hupp, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vice Dean for Student and Faculty Experience, ES Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, former Editor-in-Chief, Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology, founding Dean, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, former Dean, University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, DMD '77 Marjorie K. Jeffcoat, former Dean,