Dr. Robert I. Schattner, 91, of Bethesda, MD, died on 29 January 2017 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. Dr. Schattner, a dentist, a generous philanthropist and researcher, had an entrepreneurial spirit that earned him great respect among his colleagues and in his community. He contributed much as a supporter of education in his community and in dental education. He was a Life Member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), where he generously endowed numerous Oral Medicine educational endeavors. As a result of his leadership role and vigorous support of his Alma Mater, the University of Pennsylvania honored Dr. Schattner in 2002; the Robert Schattner Center, which houses the School of Dental Medicine, was dedicated to him. Dr. Schattner spent the majority of his life in Bethesda, Maryland but was a native of New York, and at a very early age he caught the entrepreneurial spirit by selling homemade memorabilia to game attendees at Yankee Stadium. As a young man he was a musician and entertained audiences at a resort in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. He received his B.S. degree in chemistry from the City College of New York and went on to complete his education at the University of Pennsylvania’s dental school. After competing a tour with the U.S. Public Health Service, he opened his dental practice in New York, City. Continuing his interest in research, Dr. Schattner was responsible for the development of Chloraseptic, one of the best selling mouthwashes, and Sporicidin, a popular disinfectant. Dr. Schattner eventually sold his dental practice to further his interest in business, where he served as a director on various bank and educational boards. He was recognized as “Dentist of the Year” in 1984, which was bestowed upon him by the American Association of Entrepreneurial Dentists. Dr. Schattner retired in 2008 and continued to serve on the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Board of Overseers. Dr. Robert Schattner was a regular participant at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Oral Medicine. His wife, Kay, who preceded him in death, was actively involved in the AAOM auxiliary, and was known to all regular members by supporting the Academy’s social activities at the meetings. Dr. Schattner’s charming personality and wit fostered many strong friendships during his life, and his wisdom, humor, and generous heart will be missed. Dr. Schattner is survived by his sons, Ronald J. Schattner and Richard L Schattner, Kay F. Mikula and Deborah Fedynak his stepchildren, grandchildren Robert Vance and Violette Schattner, and nephews Robert T. Schattner and Merle Rosen. |