Washington, D.C. – The National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) joins the dental and academic communities in mourning the passing of Jeanne C. Sinkford, D.D.S., Ph.D., a towering pioneer whose life’s work transformed dental education and expanded opportunities for generations to come.

In 1975, Dr. Sinkford made history as the first woman to serve as dean of any U.S. dental school, leading the Howard University College of Dentistry with distinction until 1991. For her extraordinary contributions, she was later named Dean Emeritus.

Dr. Sinkford graduated at the top of her class at Howard University College of Dentistry and went on to earn a Ph.D. in physiology. Over her remarkable career, she distinguished herself as a renowned prosthodontist, a scholar of the highest order, an inspiring academic leader, and a national voice for equity and opportunity within the profession.

Following her historic deanship, Dr. Sinkford continued to shape the field on a national level as a senior leader at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). There, she founded and directed the Center for Equity and Diversity, championing pathways for women and people of color in dentistry. She later served as Senior Scholar in Residence at ADEA, and her impact endures through the annual leadership awards established in her name.

Her pioneering spirit earned her some of the profession’s highest honors, including the National Dental Association Trailblazer Award, the American Dental Association Distinguished Service Award, the ADEA William J. Gies Award, the American College of Dentists Gies Award, and induction into the Pierre Fauchard Academy Hall of Fame—an honor where she remains the only woman ever to receive this distinction.

“Many in our community were blessed to have known Dr. Sinkford—and to have been mentored by her,” said Dr. John E. Maupin, Jr., President of the NDAF Board of Directors. “Her wisdom, grace, and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed lives and institutions alike. Her contributions to dentistry and to the advancement of Black excellence in the oral health professions have been extraordinary. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit and legacy will live on forever.”

The NDAF extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Sinkford’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and to the global community of students and leaders she inspired.