Dr. Denis Lynch (center) and his wife, Monica, with Dean Emeritus John D.B. Featherstone at the 2017 student graduation banquet (Photo by Elisabeth Fall) Denis Lynch, DDS, PhD, a School of Dentistry alumnus and Dental Alumni Association Medal of Honor recipient, passed away May 24 in Wisconsin. He was 67.
A native of Kansas City, Kan., Dr. Lynch graduated from UCSF in 1976; he later earned his doctorate at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Dr. Lynch was a longtime member of the faculty of Marquette University’s School of Dentistry. He was associate dean for academic affairs from 2002-15, in addition to professor of oral and maxillofacial pathology. He also was in Marquette’s faculty practice.
Dr. Lynch also was a professor of dermatology and of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Additionally, he co-authored “The Mouth: Diagnosis and Treatment.”
Dr. Lynch maintained close ties to his alma mater, teaching courses through the school’s Continuing Dental Education program and connecting with others through the Dental Alumni Association. In 2009, the DAA named Dr. Lynch one of its Medal of Honor recipients.
Charles McNeill, DDS, professor emeritus in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and director of the Center for Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine, had fond memories of Dr. Lynch as a faculty peer.
"We [Dr. McNeill and Dr. Patricia Rudd] sat in on one of his student lectures and were in awe of the close relationship he had with the students," Dr. McNeill recalled. "We will miss his positive energy towards professional education both here at UCSF and at Marquette, and his warm and caring friendship towards everyone."
Dorothy Perry, PhD, professor emeritus ands former associate dean for education and student affairs, spoke of Dr. Lynch's enduring ties to UCSF.
"He was fiercely loyal to the UCSF School of Dentistry, even though his career took him to other dental schools," said Dr. Perry. Dr. Lynch "was a Regents Scholar as a student and felt that UCSF was the basis for his career as a dentist and oral pathologist. He visited and donated to UCSF on many occasions and maintained many friendships here."
Dr. Lynch is survived by his wife, Monica; daughters Sydney Kellenberger and Shannon Maki; a brother, Dan Lynch; and five grandchildren. Services will be May 30 in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel obituary
