Dr. Harold Stanley Jr. leaves legacy of notable contributions to dentistry

Harold Stanley Jr., D.D.S., University of Florida College of Dentistry professor emeritus and longtime faculty member in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and diagnostic sciences, died Saturday, Nov. 10, at the age of 78.

Stanley, who held a dual appointment with the College of Medicine, served as chairman of the department of oral medicine for 17 years.

Among his many achievements, Stanley contributed to expanding knowledge regarding the biology of human dental pulp and the evaluation of new restorative materials and agents. He also directed extensive research in which he and colleagues demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a biocompatible material known as Bioglass (registered). Findings from this research paved the way for Bioglass to be marketed as a bone replacement material called Perioglas.

Born in Salem, Mass., Stanley served in the U.S. Army with the U.S. Public Health Service during World War II. He lived in Gainesville before moving to Ormond Beach in 1982.

“As a teacher and a researcher, Dr. Harold Stanley was one of the most respected and admired individuals in his field,” said A.E.

“Buddy” Clark, D.M.D., Ph.D., UF professor of prosthodontics. “As a human being, Stan was a wonderful friend to all who knew him. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have had Dr. Stanley as a teacher, a cohort and a friend. Stan was a nice guy who finished first in everything he did.”

Stanley is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dorma J. Stanley of Ormond Beach; son Harold Russell Stanley III of Bonita Springs; daughters Christine Catherine Neurauter of Springfield, Va., and Cheryl Ann Simpson of Gainesville; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Professor Harold Stanley Memorial Fund, c/o University of Florida College of Dentistry, P.O. Box 100405, Gainesville, Florida, 32610.