Dr. Ira B. Lamster received his D.D.S. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook (1977), his M.M.Sc. from Harvard University (1980) and a Certificate of Special Training in Periodontology from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (1980). Dr. Lamster served as Dean of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine from 2001 to 2012, and Senior Vice President of Columbia University Medical Center from 2006 to 2012. He was on the faculty of the Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, from 2012 to 2017. Dr. Lamster is currently Dean Emeritus, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, a Clinical Professor on the faculty of the Stony Brook University, School of Dental Medicine, and a member of the Santa Fe Group.

Dr. Lamster is the author of more than 200 manuscripts and book chapters. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the International Dental Journal from 2015 until 2021. Dr. Lamster?s research efforts have focused on diagnostic testing and risk assessment for periodontal disease, the interrelationship of periodontal disease and systemic disease, the oral health care needs of older adults, and the future of dental education and practice.