Always in Our Hearts

This content appears in the UCLA School of Dentistry's spring 2025 magazine. Click here for all magazine content.

Fermin A. Carranza, D.D.S.
Dr. Fermin A. Carranza, a pioneering figure in periodontology, passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 99. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he earned his D.D.S. from the University of Buenos Aires in 1948 and specialized in periodontics at Tufts University in 1952. Dr. Carranza's academic journey included roles as assistant professor at Tufts and professor and chairman at the University of Buenos Aires. In 1974, he joined UCLA School of Dentistry as a founding member of the Section of Periodontics, where he also established the periodontics residency program. He served as professor and section chair until his retirement in 1994, concurrently directing the Clinical Research Center for Periodontal Disease. His seminal textbook, Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology, now in its 14th edition, has educated dental professionals worldwide and laid the foundation for evidence-based periodontal practice. Dr. Carranza received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Association for Dental Research. Dr. Carranza’s wife of 65 years, Rita, passed in 2019. They are survived by three children – Fermin, Patricia, and Laura – and ten grandchildren.

Susan Gerski, R.D.A.
The longest-serving staff member in UCLA School of Dentistry history, registered dental assistant Susan Gerski, passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 76. She dedicated 56 years to the School, beginning as a dental assistant trainee in 1968, shortly after its opening. In 1999, Gerski achieved her registered dental assistant certification. Gerski played a pivotal role in the clinic operations, impacting thousands of students, faculty, staff, and patients. Her dedication, integrity, and deep care for generations of student dentists left a lasting legacy, and she was recognized during the School's 60th Anniversary Celebration in September 2024. A celebration of Gerski’s life was held on February 10, 2025, in the Mildred E. Matthias Botanical Garden. She is survived by her husband, Jorge Maza, and daughter Elizabeth.

William Solberg, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Dr. William Solberg, a leading voice in orofacial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 88. He joined the UCLA School of Dentistry faculty in 1968, just four years after its founding, and served for 27 years. Dr. Solberg founded and directed the Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Joint Center for over two decades, retiring in 1995. A prolific researcher, he authored nearly 80 scholarly publications in his field. Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Solberg was an avid sailor, woodcarver, pianist, and cyclist. He also engaged with public discourse through over 50 letters to the editor published in the Los Angeles Times. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smiley; his son, Peter; daughter-in-law, Tatiana; and three grandchildren.