Obituary: Doctor Ulf Wikesjö

It is with sadness that the EFP announces the passing of Doctor Ulf Wikesjö, who left us last weekend. Dr Wikesjö was a pioneer in the field of periodontal and bone regeneration, whose extensive research significantly shaped our understanding of oral health sciences. His work has been widely published in numerous periodontal journals, including the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (JCP), and his contributions to the basic science of oral regeneration remain unmatched.

Wikesjö’s distinguished academic journey began in Sweden, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Lund University. He furthered his education with a Doctor of Dental Medicine diploma from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and received certification for advanced training in Periodontology from both Lund University, conferred by the National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden, and Loma Linda University in California. He also earned a PhD (Odont Dr) in Experimental Wound Healing from Lund University.

Throughout his illustrious career, Wikesjö held numerous prestigious academic and research positions. He served as a Professor of Periodontology, Oral Biology, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Graduate Studies; Interim Chair of Oral Biology; and Director of the Laboratory for Applied Periodontal & Craniofacial Regeneration (LAPCR) at Georgia Regents University in Augusta, Georgia. Additionally, he was an Adjunct Professor of Periodontology at Malmö University’s Centre (Sweden) for Oral Health Sciences.

Wikesjö's contributions extended beyond academia into significant roles at other institutions. He was a Professor of Periodontics at Loma Linda University, Head/Principal Scientist of Preclinical Research in Oral/Maxillofacial Studies and Bone Biology & Applications at the Genetics Institute (Wyeth Research) in Andover, Massachusetts, and a Professor of Periodontology and Oral Biology at Temple University. He was the founding Director of LAPCR, where he pioneered many of his groundbreaking studies.

A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Wikesjö served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals of periodontology and implant dentistry. His work was globally recognised, earning him prestigious accolades, including the inaugural IADR/Straumann Award in Regenerative Periodontal Medicine in 2010 and the American Academy of Periodontology R. Earl Robinson Periodontal Regeneration Award in 2011.

Wikesjö’s legacy is cemented in his prolific contributions to scientific literature. He authored over 240 original articles, reviews, and chapters, along with 150 abstracts. He was a sought-after speaker, delivering more than 200 invited presentations at international conferences, workshops, and academic institutions around the world.

Doctor Ulf Wikesjö’s passing is a tremendous loss to the field of periodontology and to those who had the privilege of knowing him. His pioneering work and dedication to advancing oral health science will continue to inspire and benefit future generations. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, students, and friends.