Obituary

Dr. Thomas Hanks

Dr. Carl Thomas "Tom" Hanks, who taught oral and maxillofacial pathology at the School of Dentistry for 36 years, and for nearly as long at the Medical School, died Sept. 14. He was 67.

Born in Oklahoma, Hanks earned a bachelor's degree from Phillips University in Enid, Okla., in 1961 and a doctor of dental surgery degree from Washington University in St. Louis three years later.

(Photo courtesy School Of Dentistry)

Not long after receiving a doctoral degree in experimental pathology in 1970 from State University of New York at Buffalo, Hanks came to the U-M School of Dentistry as an assistant professor in the Department of Oral Pathology and as a research scientist with the school's Dental Research Institute.

The following year, 1971, he began his affiliation with the Medical School as an instructor in the Department of Pathology. From 1978, until his retirement, Hanks served as an associate professor.

From 1979 until his retirement two years ago, Hanks was a professor with the Oral Pathology Department. His research and scholarly activity focused on the biocompatibility of synthetic materials with living tissues and the influence of organic and inorganic extracellular matrix materials on bone cartilage, teeth, skin and mucosa.

In 2000 he played a major role in creating a virtual textbook that has allowed dental students with laptop computers to use the Internet and the school's intranet to electronically view digital images of hundreds of tissues that previously could only be viewed under a microscope in a laboratory.

During his career, Hanks published more than 75 articles that were refereed in scientific journals, wrote chapters for four books and presented more than 80 abstracts and papers at scientific meetings. He also was a reviewer for scientific publications, including the Journal of Dental Research, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research and the European Journal of Oral Sciences.

Hanks served on numerous dental school committees, including the executive committee, as well as University committees. He was a member of many professional committees and scientific organizations as well, including serving as a consultant to the American Dental Association's Council on Scientific Affairs since 2001.

Following retirement, he continued his efforts in the field of oral pathology, working to create a database of clinical and microscopic cases compiled from more than 50 years of materials in the school's biopsy service. His diagnostic skills in the field aided in the treatment of countless individuals.

"I met Tom early in my career while I was a graduate student," said Dr. Peter Polverini, dean of the School of Dentistry. "I remember how encouraging and supportive he was to me and to countless other students who sought his advice. Many of us have similar stories about Tom's kindness and compassion. As unassuming as Tom was, he had a presence."

A memorial service to celebrate his life and contributions to the dental school and to the University was held Sept. 18 at the school.

In lieu of flowers, the Hanks family suggests donations be made to support a dental scholarship in Dr. Hanks' name. Checks should be made payable to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and can be mailed to the school's Office of Development at 540 E. Liberty, Suite 204, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
—Submitted by Jerry Mastey, School of Dentistry