This issue of JOI is dedicated to our prestigious past Editor Dr A Norman Cranin who passed from this life at age 83 on February 20, 2011. His immediate family will miss Norman, but his “Dental Implantology family” will miss him also. Dr Cranin guided JOI for 38 years, and for this we can be grateful. Norman's list of accomplishments is multiple and includes his work as a world-renowned oral surgeon, teacher, lecturer, author, and founder of The Dr Samuel Cranin Dental Center at The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. Norman was a true pioneer and because of his ingenuity and tireless work in implant dentistry the profession was transformed from anecdotal to science based. He was a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, which honors the great figures of the dental profession throughout the world. Additionally, he was a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and was a Diplomate and founding member of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. These words only cover a small portion of his professional accomplishments.
Norman was more than a list of accomplishments. He was a friend and mentor to so many of us involved in Implant Dentistry today. There are multiple stories of his ingenuity, and his “let's get it done” attitude. No implant case or project was ever too much for this Doctor. His credentials qualified him to tackle the most difficult cases with great vigor, knowledge, and skill. Many of his residents and students from Brookdale Hospital and the AAID MaxiCourse programs have gone on to help patients throughout the world. Because of this, his contributions to the profession will live on well past February 20, 2011. Norman's work and teaching were not only felt here in the US; he was a strong supporter of the Nigerian Osseointegration and Dental Implantology Society and lectured around the globe.
Personally, Norman was not only one of my mentors in dental implant surgery, but my teacher and confidant for this journal. I will always remember the support, advice, and encouragement he provided during our transition from his Editorship to mine. Norman was a master of the English language and with each visit or phone conversation, he always taught me a new word and broadened my provincial vocabulary.
Norman and his wife Marilyn were always a delight to be with. The conversations were enlightening and there was much joy and laughter. Norman and Marilyn worked hard, and now the Dental Implant profession salutes their life together. May Marilyn enjoy cherished memories and Norman, good rest.