June 21, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees appointed University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry Associate Dean John Bernard Thornton, D.M.D., M.A., professor and associate dean emeritus during its June 18 meeting.

Thornton joined the UAB faculty as an assistant professor of dentistry in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in 1980. He became a full professor in 1991. He was director of the Civitan International Research Center/Sparks Clinics from 1976-2001 and chair of pediatric dentistry from 2000-2004. He became associate dean for community affairs in 2004 and served until retiring in April 2010. He also retired from the Alabama National Guard in 2003 with the rank of colonel.

Thornton has received a number of honors from professional organizations, including the Odessa Woolfolk Community Service Award in 2008, the Legion of Merit Medal for Exceptionally Meritorious Military Service from the Department of the United States Army in 2004 and the UAB President's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2001. He was inducted into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2008.

About the UAB School of Dentistry
The UAB School of Dentistry maintains a national reputation for excellence. In addition to its professional degree program leading to the doctorate in dentistry, the school offers accredited postdoctoral programs in eight areas of study.