By: Dr. Sanjay Nayak, Mangalore INDIA (borrowed from www.dentistryunited.com/rip-dr-joseph-dovgan) On October 21st 2013 exactly three days after his 52nd birthday Dr Joseph Samo Dovgan, a.k.a. Joey D lost his 6 yr battle with Myeloma. The world of endodontics lost its shining star, a highly talented soul, a fountain head of knowledge and a great humanitarian. Born Oct. 18, 1961, in Omaha – Nebraska but raised in New Mexico and Colorado, Joey D. as he was better known, returned to his birthplace, attended Creighton University for an undergraduate degree (majored in physics) as well his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.). Moving later to the University of Iowa he continued with specialty training and received his Certificate of Endodontics and a Masters of Science degree. He extensively lectured in the USA and internationally, taught hands-on courses, help organize entire Endodontic Societies like Roots, started grass-root movements to bring to the AAE better practice standards, preached and pushed for microscope dentistry every time and everywhere. He has been a Vice-President of the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry (AMED). He published at least 10 research papers* and also became an inventor of innumerable endodontic related products which have helped raise the standard of endodontic care not just in the USA but even around the world**. The ROOTS SUMMIT in Amsterdam in 2006 showed us that Joey had great organizational and public relations skills. Unfortunately it was after the ROOTS Amsterdam Summit that Joey D was diagnosed with Myeloma. It is now revealed that during the terminal stage of his fight with Myeloma he was busy trying to finish the prototype of a new electro-chemo-mechanical irrigation device along with co-inventor Dr Marc Balson! Right when his body was undergoing the torment of chemotherapy, the various hospital visits and the three Stem cell transplants he was engaged in inventing one more useful tool for the dental community! Such supreme dedication, such sacrifice! By pushing the limits of human endurance! He actually defeated death! His close friends like Dr Balson, Dr Terry and Dr Gary Henkel kept in touch with him all along. Dr Marc Balson Past President American Association of Endodontists of Livingston, New Jersey said “Joe was an integral part of Roots from its inception and was the Master of Ceremonies and many of the Roots meetings over the last two decades. He will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched in dentistry and endodontics.” Dr Terry Pannkuk President The Schilder Institute for the Advancement of Endodontics Santa Barbara, CA said: “Joey was a great friend, mentor, researcher, inventor, and educator. There will be an outpouring of emotion by the great many dentists whose professional lives he touched. One of his last urgent wishes was to become a Schilder Institute member which he became 3 weeks ago. Joey’s presence made everyone feel positive, enthusiastic and uplifted as a professional. He lived to educate, discover, and share freely with everyone around him” Joey was given a Catholic Funeral Mass on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 and was cremated as per his request in Little Rock, Arkansas. A celebration of the life of Joe Dovgan will be held at the home of Stephanie Dovgan on Saturday, February 22, 2014. All of Joe’s family, friends and colleagues are invited to attend. Bring your memories of Joe with you and be ready to share them with everyone in attendance. Perhaps it’s about the first time you met him or maybe it’s a funny or poignant experience that brought you to the realization that you were in the presence of a unique and remarkable person. Stephanie is planning to serve Joe’s favorite foods for your culinary delectation. The Dovgan residence is about 20 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Further details, such as time and lodging suggestions are forthcoming. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend this special event. Address: Stephanie Dovgan 11652 N 22nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85028 sdovgan15@gmail.com Donations for Joe can be directed to the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy. Checks should be made out to the Myeloma Institute and mailed to University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy #816 4301 W Markham St Little Rock, AR 72205-9985 Donation forms to be included are available online @ http://myeloma.uams.edu/donation Online donations by credit card are also available @ http://myeloma.uams.edu/donation kw note: If you knew Joe, you'll know that favorite foods included pizza, bacon cheeseburgers, cheese fries, strawberry pie and Mexican food!