Dr. Simon Tran, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, has been awarded the 2026 Howard S. Katz Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes superior teaching, pedagogical innovation, and leadership in dental education at the undergraduate level. The award was presented to him by President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini during the Faculty鈥檚 Spring Convocation ceremony.
He has devoted the past 22 years to the education and training of 涩里番 students. Dr. Tran鈥檚 teaching philosophy is defined by his ability to bring the complexities of the laboratory into the classroom. Prof. Tran uses a teaching approach of demonstrating how dedication to research can alleviate discomfort and pain from oral health conditions. He challenges his students to view unsolved clinical problems as opportunities for innovation, and he provides students with a rare bench-to-bedside perspective that prepares them for the evolving landscape of modern dentistry. 鈥淚 wish to foster a learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically and bridging the gap between theory and clinical practice鈥� says Tran.
Dr. Simon Tran obtained a DMD degree from Universit茅 de Montr茅al. He holds a Certificate in Periodontics and a PhD in Oral Biology from the University of Minnesota, and a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institutes of Health. He joined the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences in 2004 as Assistant Professor.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, he says 鈥渋t鈥檚 a great pleasure and privilege to be following the paths of previous awardees who have demonstrated excellence in teaching.鈥� When asked what message he would like to share with the graduating class of 2026, Dr. Tran offers this simple yet important reminder: 鈥渢reat the person behind the smile and not just the smile itself, and your impact can extend far beyond the dental chair.鈥�
We congratulate Dr. Simon Tran on this highly deserved award!
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