Ann Arbor, MI — June 24, 2010 — Dr. L. George Upton, a faculty member with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry for 40 years, died today after a courageous battle with lymphoma. He was 69.

Dr. Upton was regarded by his family, friends, and colleagues as not only a skilled surgeon and academician, but also a caring and compassionate human being. He was also an avid outdoorsman, often dividing his leisure time among the Michigan woods, rivers, and tennis courts.

Born in Detroit on July 30, 1940, he attended Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry where he earned his dental degree in 1966. He received his master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1970. That same year, Dr. Upton began his teaching career at U-M as an assistant professor of dentistry and an assistant professor of surgery. He was promoted to associate professor of dentistry in 1973, associate professor of surgery in 1976, and professor of dentistry in 1978.

Dr. Upton was a recognized expert on the management of temporomandibular disorders and TMJ conditions, participated in symposia, and published articles in numerous journals. At a graduation banquet for residents 12 days before he died, Dr. Joseph Helman, chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, told members of Upton’s family, faculty, residents, and department staff that “Dr. Upton has been an individual we admire, someone we look up to for advice and words of wisdom, and a role model for all of us. He’s a pillar of our profession, a leader, and an honest and loyal friend.”

During the banquet, Helman presented the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Upton for his contributions to the profession. “There’s nothing we can do to thank George for everything he has done, the image he has conveyed, and for being a role model for everyone.” After receiving the award, Dr. Upton received a standing ovation.

“It was a very moving experience,” said Gloria Sdao, medical secretary, who worked with Upton for 10 years. “Everyone in the department formed a line and he hugged and kissed everyone and said farewell to all. There was not a dry eye the entire night.” Sdao said Upton “left his mark on me, both personally and professionally through his abundant compassion, profound mentorship, and unassuming nature.”

Last July, U-M Regents named Dr. Upton professor emeritus of dentistry and associate professor emeritus of oral surgery. They lauded his achievements emphasizing that he “played a major role in orthognathic surgical corrections of facial bone deformities at the University of Michigan Health System for over 25 years.” Regents also noted Dr. Upton’s service as surgical director of the TMD Orofacial Pain Clinic, chief of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Section at the Ann Arbor Veteran Affairs Medical Center, co-director of the cleft palate team and the dentofacial program.

Dr. Upton is survived by his wife, Deborah Upton; son and daughter, Steven and Susan Upton; his stepson and stepdaughter, Robert and Vanessa Sly; and his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Neal VanPoperin.

Contact: Sharon Grayden, Communications Director (734) 615-2600, dentistry.communications@umich.edu, or Jerry Mastey, Editor, School of Dentistry (734) 615-1971, jmastey@umich.edu.