Meet the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
Two accomplished graduates of Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s (HSDM) advanced graduate programs were honored on Friday, June 7 with Distinguished Alumni Awards presented during Alumni Day. Stephen Sonis, DMSc76, PD76, and Maurizio Tonetti, MMSc89, PD89, were recognized for their significant contributions to the mission of the School.
Dr. Stephen Sonis
Stephen Sonis, DMSc76, PD76, an expert in oral oncology, was honored for his groundbreaking work on oral mucositis and oral toxicities from cancer therapy. Sonis received his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and then completed a combined doctorate and residency at Harvard. As a Knox Fellow at Oxford University, he conducted research in tumor immunology.
“When I came to HSDM, I knew was fortunate to be at a place that very early on emphasized the relationship between systemic health and oral health and recognized that the School extended well beyond 188 Longwood Avenue,” Sonis said. “Drs. Shklar and Goldhaber encouraged me to do research beyond the dental school, and that opened up huge opportunities for me.”
Currently, Sonis is a professor of Oral Medicine at Harvard, a senior member of the Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a designated member of the Distinguished Faculty in Surgery at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He has leadership roles in two translational research companies and has done extensive non-profit work focused on the adverse health and economic outcomes of cancer toxicities.
Sonis has published on the clinical, biological, and health economic aspects of cancer and complications associated with its treatment. He holds several patents and is the author of more than 350 original publications, reviews, and chapters, and is the author or editor of eleven books.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has served as a generous mentor to countless scientists in the field. Mentees know him as a brilliant researcher who has dedicated his life’s work to prioritizing patients, relationships, and family.
“The relationships I made at Harvard have sustained for a very long time. Individuals who were my mentors, were very generous with their time, so I hope to follow the same path,” he said.
Sonis, who has mentored countless residents since 1979, continues to work with pre- and postdoctoral students from HSDM and HMS. He makes a point to ensure his mentees feel supported in all aspects of their personal and professional lives.
“The students are super smart and have a great work ethic. They are eager to do good work,” he said. “It’s fun working with them!”
Dr. Maurizio Tonetti
Maurizio Tonetti, MMSc89, PD89, was the second alumnus honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award for his contributions to improving periodontal risk and diagnosis through his work as a clinician and researcher. He earned his DMD from the University of Genoa and went on to complete his MMSc in periodontology at HSDM.
“HSDM prepared me for my career in academia and I had a fabulous experience with my fellow residents— all of whom are now accomplished leaders in academia, practice, and entrepreneurship,” said Tonetti. “I’m really proud to have received this unexpected recognition.”
Tonetti currently serves as the chair and professor at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the director of the Shanghai Perio- Implant Innovation Center at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital. He also maintains a part-time private practice limited to periodontology and implant surgery with an emphasis on regeneration, minimally invasive surgery, and microsurgery. Previously, he served as professor and department head of periodontology at several universities across Asia, Europe, and North America.
He is widely recognized for his contributions to improved periodontal diagnosis and risk assessment, control of periodontitis, the practice of periodontal regeneration, and design and execution of large clinical trials in periodontology and implant dentistry.
Tonetti’s research has been published in numerous journals such as New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of Dental Research, and the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. His cutting-edge research has helped transform the way dentists, clinicians, and other health care workers look at periodontology.
Tonetti credits his mentors and time at HSDM for his success as a clinician and researcher.
“This is for those who encouraged me to be in academia, and who taught me how to pursue innovation,” said Tonetti. “I’m proud to be part of the legacy of this school and the Perio program, and I hope to see this legacy spread around the world.”
