Dr. Mark Wilton, Former Head of Oral Medicine at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Passes away
Dr. Mark Wilton, who was the first official head of the Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has passed away in Porlock, Somerset, England, where he had lived for many years.
The department was formed in 1984 with the merger of the Departments of Oral Pathology, Oral Diagnosis, and Radiology. Dr. Rhonna L. Cohen was the first Acting Head, and Dr. Stanley J. Gerson the second Acting Head, before Dr. Wilton took over.
Dr. Wilton was recognized internationally for his research into the immunological response to bacteria involved in periodontal diseases. Before becoming head of OMDS at the UIC College of Dentistry, he held positions in the Department of Oral Immunology and Microbiology at Guy’s Hospital, London, and the Medical Research Council Dental Research Unit at the London Hospital Medical School. Subsequent to leaving the UIC College of Dentistry, he became head of the Department of Adult Health at the School of Dentistry, University of Cardiff, Wales.
He is survived by two sons and three daughters.