Genco served for 18 years as JOP editor-in-chief...
Dr. Robert J. Genco named Editor Emeritus of Journal of Periodontology
Dr. Genco completed 18 years as JOP editor-in-chief.
CHICAGO–October 1, 2006—Dr. Robert J. Genco
completed his sixth consecutive term and 18th year of service as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) following the 2006 Annual Meeting in San Diego.
He has been named editor emeritus and turned the reigns over to his
successor Dr. Kenneth S. Kornman in the same sunny southern California city where he began his tenure as editor at the 1988 Annual Meeting.
Dr. Robert Schallhorn was president of the Academy
18 years ago and chaired the committee that recommended
Dr. Genco to the AAP Board of Trustees following an intensive search to find a replacement for retiring co-editors Drs. William Hurt and Timothy O’Leary. He recently reflected on the excellent choice
he and his fellow committee members made: “As with all of his professional endeavors, Dr. Genco has distinguished himself for the past 18 years in his role as editor,” commented Dr. Schallhorn. “In keeping with his predecessors, Dr. Genco continued to improve, expand, and elevate the status of the Journal of Periodontology, and it is recognized for its high
quality, content, and timeliness throughout the world by the dental, periodontal, and research communities. I couldn’t be more pleased that Bob Genco has made the Search Committee’s selection not only credible,
but laudable.”
Over the years, Dr. Genco has made significant advancements in the Journal by establishing a process for scientific review of each manuscript which is
rigorous, while providing constructive suggestions for revision. This has resulted in a journal with a high citation index and sound reputation for reliability and clinical relevance. Dr. Genco expanded the editorial board to include a wide range of internationally renowned reviewers; organized an Advisory Board to provide ongoing advice to improve the Journal; introduced an online searchable version of JOP; implemented
an online manuscript submission and peer review system; and established a “publish ahead of print” program, thus expediting the availability of research and improving publication timeframes. In addition, to keep pace with competitive publishing standards, Dr. Genco approved a redesign of the publication, which garnered two awards for the Journal: the Gold Circle Award for Redesign by the American Society of Association
Executives and the Platinum Scroll First Place Award for Publication Improvement from the International College of Dentists—USA Section. He also established new sections in the Journal, including Guest Editorials, Journal Watch, FDA Reports, and Innovations in Periodontics in response to reader survey suggestions and advice from the Advisory Board.
Since he assumed his position, manuscript submissions
have increased from 125 per year in 1988 to 450 per
year in 2005. Dr. Genco estimates that he has read
more than 35,000 editorial pages and gone through scores of red pens over the last 18 years. He is very appreciative of the excellent, dedicated efforts of the editorial board in providing critical and constructive reviews of these manuscripts, and to the authors who
made revisions in their manuscripts which often resulted in more valuable additions to our literature.
In addition to his role as editor, Dr. Genco has served the Academy in a variety of capacities, including his participation as a member of the Board of Trustees and active membership on numerous Academy committees and task forces. He received the Academy’s highest honor—the Gold Medal—in 1993. He is a past president of both the American Association for Dental
Research and the International Association for Dental Research, and a recipient of the ADA Gold Medal for Excellence in Research. He also was named Distinguished Professor by the University of Buffalo. Dr. Genco is one of only a dozen or so dentists who are members of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and in this capacity has served on panels addressing health services manpower issues, insurance coverage for dental procedures, and clinical research opportunities and barriers.
Dr. Genco is well known for his landmark research on
the pathogenesis and management of periodontal
diseases. His research on risk factors for periodontal
disease has lead the way in our present concepts of risk
factor assessment and management in the treatment
and prevention of periodontal disease. In the last two
decades, Dr. Genco has been a leader in identifying the
role of periodontal disease in increased risk for arteriosclerotic
disease, especially heart disease and stroke, and the effects of periodontal disease in poor glycemic control, and increased risk of heart disease and kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Dr. Genco was honored at the Opening Ceremony on September 16 for his many contributions to the Academy and the award-winning publication he raised in stature over nearly two decades.
About the AAP
The
American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.
