In memoriam: Mark E.K. Wong, DDS
Mark E. K. Wong, DDS, longtime chair and professor of the Bernard and Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, and professor in the Department of Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, Friday, Sept. 4.
“Dr. Wong was an integral member of the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry community,” said John A. Valenza, DDS, dean of the School of Dentistry. “He and I joined the faculty in 1987, and I have had the privilege of working alongside him. Through his leadership, teaching, clinical expertise, research, and unwavering commitment to his residents and colleagues, he helped shape generations of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and strengthen our school’s reputation as a leader in dental education and specialty training.”
Wong served as oral and maxillofacial surgery chair from 2000 to 2026 and as director of residency training. During his tenure, the department’s education and residency programs grew into nationally recognized programs. He was committed to advancing oral and maxillofacial surgery education, clinical training, and research.
His mentorship and service extended beyond the dental school. For nearly 30 years, Wong trained and mentored oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the Canadian Armed Forces, helping strengthen the Royal Canadian Dental Corps’ surgical capabilities and readiness. Earlier this year, he received the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service in recognition of his decades of dedication to training, mentorship, and advocacy on behalf of Canadian military surgeons.
Wong’s contributions to the School of Dentistry were also recognized this year when he was named a recipient of the Honorary Alumnus Award. The award recognizes individuals who, while not graduates of the School of Dentistry, have demonstrated an enduring commitment to students, residents, faculty, staff, and to the advancement of dental education and the profession.
A continuing legacy through endowments
Wong’s commitment to advancing oral and maxillofacial surgery research and education will continue through two new permanent endowments established in his name by the Wong family.
The Mark E. Wong, DDS, Distinguished Professorship will support research and scholarly activities in oral and maxillofacial surgery, providing resources for research personnel, pilot and collaborative projects, equipment, materials, travel, and other research-related needs.
The Mark E. Wong, DDS OMS Research Endowment will support research within the Bernard and Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, providing flexible resources to support research personnel, pilot and collaborative projects, equipment, core services, research-related travel, and other research needs. Simon W. Young, DDS, MD, PhD, chair of the Katz Department, is the fund steward.
The endowments each carry a $500,000 commitment and will be matched by UTHealth Houston.
“Dr. Wong was an extraordinarily kind and selfless person, and these endowments are a fitting reflection of how he and his family have always sought to elevate our department, our school, and the profession as a whole,” said Simon W. Young, DDS, MD, PhD, chair of the Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. “I am deeply honored by the trust that the Wong family have placed in us, and I will do everything I can to ensure that these funds are used in the spirit in which they were established, to support people, advance research, and create opportunities for future generations.”
Decades of leadership and scholarship
Wong was a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the American College of Surgeons. He served as president of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons, and the International Board for the Certification of Specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
His research focused on reconstructive surgery, tissue engineering of bone, and the biomechanical characterization and regeneration of the temporomandibular joint, with support from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Wong’s career included teaching, clinical care, research, leadership, and mentorship. He trained generations of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and mentored faculty, staff, and colleagues throughout his nearly four decades at UTHealth Houston.
A celebration of life for Wong will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home, 1734 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX 77098.