Luiz Pimenta Inducted into International College of Dentists

Luiz A. Pimenta, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA, professor of dental medicine and interim director of the division of prosthodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, was inducted into the International College of Dentists (ICD) USA Section on October 6, during the group’s 2023 annual meeting, which took place in Orlando, FL.

The ICD is a leading honorary dental organization dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and the continued progress of the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind. Fewer than 3 percent of US dentists are awarded this honor.

Pimenta came to Columbia from the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, where he served as the school’s dean for global initiatives and led a program that sent students to 13 sites around the world to participate in programs that were serviced-based, educational exchanges or research-related. An alumnus of UNC, Steve Mackler, nominated Pimenta for induction.

Pimenta says that the honor was made even more gratifying because his wife, Dr. Silvana Barros, who now serves as clinical director for innovation at Colgate Palmolive, was inducted into the ICD in the same ceremony.

In addition to his induction into the ICD, Dr. Pimenta presented “Application of Digital Technology in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics” as a part of the continuing education offerings.

Pimenta earned his DDS from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. He earned an MS in restorative dentistry from the University of Sao Paulo and a PhD in restorative dentistry/prosthodontics from São Paulo State University. He also holds an MBA from Southeast Missouri State University.

Pimenta, who has been at CDM for two years, says that when he was researching dental schools in the New York metropolitan area, CDM was the school that best suited his preference for a small, very selective program that affords faculty the opportunity to develop strong connections to students. “I like to know the names of my students, to work closely with them,” he says. “It enables me to provide better support.”

About the International College of Dentists

The USA Section of the International College of Dentists, as part of the preeminent honor society for dentists in the world, strives to be the leading honorary dental organization serving others worldwide. It also:  

• Recognizes and promotes excellence in leadership with an emphasis on service
• Provides support to our Fellows and respect to peers
• Addresses oral health needs and education throughout the world,
• Fosters an atmosphere of collaboration with those who share their values