Myron Nevins: Teacher, Mentor, Researcher, Clinician, Friend
On December 14, 2024, Dr. Myron Nevins (center) received the Robert N. Eskow NYU Dental Implant Dentistry Award. Standing to his left is his wife, Marcy Nevins (married for 64 years), and to his right is Dr. David M. Kim.
Dr .Fugazzotto
By: Paul Fugazzotto, DDS
September 1979: The entering periodontal certificate class, at what was at the time called the Boston University Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, I attended the first Monday evening treatment planning seminar, led by Dr. Myron (Ron) Nevins, with assistance from Dr. Howard Skurow. Attended by all periodontal and prosthetic students, and some endodontic and orthodontic faculty and postgraduate students, the seminar was said to be “tough,” with presenters facing challenging questions from fellow graduate students, Dr. Skurow, other faculty members and, most definitely, Dr. Nevins.
Before the seminar began, Dr. Nevins addressed the incoming students (forgive the paraphrase; the spirit of the message is wholly accurate):
“This seminar is meant to make everyone better. If I challenge you, which I will, it is to make you better; to make everyone better. When fellow students challenge you, it is to everyone’s benefit. It may get heated at times. It probably will. But whatever is said here, whatever
arguments happen, it all stays here. We leave this room knowing that nothing was said as a personal attack. You will come out of these seminars stronger and more self-assured.”
… and then it began.
This was pure Ron Nevins. No fanfare; no gilded words; no motivation other than to teach, to mentor. A teacher who knew how best to motivate each student as an individual, Ron projected confidence, not arrogance.
Yes, Ron was direct. Students could at first find his sometimes terse answers intimidating, such as when Drs. John Lindsay and Philip Melnick (BUGSGD Perio 1981) approached Ron at an AAP meeting in 1981 and asked him about implants, which at that time were still
essentially blades and subperiosteals, and Ron told them to “master perio first and then learn about implants.” While Ron’s answer may at first glance seem sarcastic, further rumination uncovers the insightful basis of his retort. Would any conscientious clinician debate the need to understand the potentials of periodontal, endodontic, orthodontic and restorative specialties before condemning teeth to removal?
At the same meeting, Drs. Lindsay, Melnick and I approached Ron after having spoken with “seasoned” periodontists (they had been practicing more than five years) who told us that we should stop doing resective surgery because it was unnecessary and did not last. Ron’s answer: “Just do it; it works.” Succinct; honest; based upon decades of clinical experience and a highly self-critical eye.
Ron once again demonstrated his deep-seated belief in mentoring his students (defined by Ron as anyone who asked him a question) beyond only clinical concerns when I approached him about a patient I saw shortly after opening my periodontal practice in 1981. If blade
implants were placed in the mandibular first molar positions and splinted to the first premolars with three-unit fixed bridgework, a bilateral distal-extension removable prosthesis could be eliminated. When asked, Ron agreed to place the implants on two conditions: First, that I would check with the restorative dentist to make sure he did not mind my referring the patient to another practitioner so
that I did not damage my new practice; and second, that I would watch the surgery and spend a few hours with Ron over the ensuing weeks discussing and learning about implant therapy.
The long-lasting effect of such mentorship was on display with the heartfelt testament Dr. Paul Ricchetti (BUGSGD Perio Class of 1978) wrote for the dinner in honor of Dr. Myron Nevins at the 2025 American Academy of Periodontology meeting in Toronto:
“In every person’s life there comes a time when they encounter someone who leaves an indelible mark on their path. Someone who selflessly imparts wisdom, provides guidance and becomes an unwavering source of support. Today, I wish to express my deepest appreciation to Ron Nevins for the impact he had not only on my career but also on that of many others. Through his actions and achievements, Ron has shown me what is possible and encouraged me to push beyond my limits. His unwavering belief in my, and many others’, potential has instilled in us the confidence to strive for greatness. Ron empowered me to step outside my comfort zone, take risks and embrace new opportunities. His encouragement gave me the courage to overcome obstacles and turn setbacks into steppingstones toward success. My sincere thanks to Ron for his mentorship, support and friendship over more than 45 years. Ron’s qualities of friendship and leadership inspired me to be the best I could be.”
Dr. Richard Lazzara (BUGSGD Perio Class of 1976) describes Ron Nevins as “the epitome of our profession; always professional, knowledgeable, kind, well-dressed and willing to assist. An outstanding researcher, teacher, publisher, organizer and clinician were but a few of Ron’s assets. For me, he was a role model during training, a confidant, friend and sounding board in later years. He leaves a giant void in our profession and the leadership of our profession’s direction.”
Dr. Roger Wise (BUGSGD Perio Class of 1973; Ortho 1977) had both the privilege of studying under Ron and the opportunity to practice together for decades. Excerpts from his testimonial about Ron at the aforementioned AAP event in Toronto beautifully encapsulate Ron’s effect upon anyone fortunate enough to “experience” him:
“Ron was truly one of a kind — a cherished friend, an inspiring mentor and a legendary contributor to the specialty of periodontics.
Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi once said that true leadership requires understanding every aspect of your work — embracing challenges, making informed decisions and remaining a lifelong learner.
Ron embodied that spirit in every dimension of his remarkable professional career. He was, in every sense, the CEO of his many accomplishments.
A visionary recognized and respected around the world, Ron influenced and inspired generations of students, colleagues and academicians. His passion for excellence elevated everyone who had the privilege of learning from him.
His boundless energy, his pursuit of perfection and his devotion to advancing the art and science of our fieldwork were, quite simply, beyond our wildest dreams.
For Ron, periodontics was never just a profession — it was a calling. He engaged his head, his heart and his hands in all that he did.
The late Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield once said, “It doesn’t matter how much money you’ve made, how big your house is, or what kind of car you drive. What matters most is: Did you make a difference in someone’s life?” Ron made a difference in countless lives — and in doing so immortalized himself in the history of periodontics.
Thank you, Ron, for the memories, the mentorship and the magic you shared.
You made our lives richer and our profession prouder. Quite remarkable, Ron — in every way a masterpiece.”
Dr. Sergio DePaoli (BUGSGD Perio Class of 1978), who remained a close friend of Ron’s for the rest of his life, succinctly states what we all feel: “Dear Ron, rest in peace. The cultural patrimony you generously gave us will always be a strong support in our personal and professional lives.”
When we became immersed in the periodontal program at BUSGD, under Dr. Kramer’s and Ron’s tutelage, we felt we were part of Camelot, albeit once removed from sitting at the round table. That feeling persists in us all. As does the following fact: Dr. Kramer may have been King Arthur, but you, Dr. Myron Nevins, were and will always be Sir Lancelot.
Thank you, Ron
