In Memoriam: Fermin A. Carranza, D.D.S.

Dr. Fermin A. Carranza, a UCLA School of Dentistry emeritus professor whose contributions to the field of periodontology have left an enduring impact, passed away on March 9, 2025. He was 99.

The School will hold a celebration of life for Dr. Carranza on Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m., in UCLA’s Geffen Hall's Iris Cantor Auditorium. Additional details will be communicated by the Section of Periodontics shortly.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on February 28, 1926, Dr. Carranza earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Buenos Aires in 1948. He further specialized in periodontics, receiving certification from Tufts University in 1952.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Carranza held several key academic positions. He served as an assistant professor of periodontology at Tufts from 1955 to 1956 before returning to Argentina, becoming professor and chairman of periodontics at the University of Buenos Aires from 1966 to 1974. In 1974, he joined the UCLA School of Dentistry as a founding member of the Section of Periodontics and later helped establish the periodontics residency program. He served as professor and section chair until retiring in 1994, simultaneously directing the Clinical Research Center for Periodontal Disease.

Dr. Carranza was widely recognized for his scholarly contributions, particularly as the author of Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology, a seminal textbook that has educated dental professionals around the world. His work set the foundation for evidence-based periodontal practice and influenced countless generations of periodontists. UCLA-affiliated periodontists have contributed to each release, currently in the 14^th edition, of what is now Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology and Implantology.

"Dr. Carranza’s textbook has shaped generations of periodontists, setting the foundation for our specialty with its commitment to evidence-based practice," said Dr. Flavia Pirih, professor and the School’s Tarrson Family Endowed Chair in Periodontics. "As a section chair, I see its impact daily – not just in the knowledge we pass on, but in the way we train critical thinkers and compassionate clinicians who uphold the highest standards of periodontics." 

Dr. Carranza’s dedication to advancing oral health knowledge earned him numerous professional accolades, including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Association for Dental Research and the W.G. Gies Foundation Award for the Advancement of Dentistry from the American Dental Education Association for outstanding contributions to the field of periodontology.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Carranza was known for his warmth, generosity, and commitment to mentoring. His influence extended beyond the classroom and clinic, touching the personal and professional lives of those he guided.

“The field of periodontology, UCLA Periodontics, and the name Fermin Carranza are inextricably linked,” said Dean and Professor Dr. Paul H. Krebsbach. “While his passing leaves a tremendous void in our hearts, the perio community at UCLA and beyond will forever benefit from his seminal work and legacy.”

Dr. Carranza’s wife of 65 years, Rita, passed in 2019. They are survived by three children – Fermin, Patricia, and Laura – and ten grandchildren.