July 4, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

UCLA Dentistry Receives $5M To Establish Clinical Research Center:

Philanthropist Dr. Mick Dragoo and his wife, Mary, have pledged a landmark gift of $5 million to the UCLA School of Dentistry to establish the UCLA Mick and Mary Dragoo Periodontal and Implant Clinical Research and Patient Care Center.

The Dragoo’s gift, the largest single donation from an individual or couple the dental school has ever received, will create a leading sitefor clinical research, patient care and education in periodontology and implantology — specialized areas of dentistry related to tooth-supporting structures and tooth replacement.

The new Dragoo Periodontal and Implant Center will be a place for world-renowned faculty to conduct independently funded clinical research to advance scientific knowledge in periodontal and implant dentistry.

Researchers from the school will translate their findings into meaningful treatment protocols and will disseminate their research through publications, educational programs and the Internet to advance the state of patient care worldwide.

“With Dr. and Mrs. Dragoo’s extremely generous gift, our hope is to advance the standard of patient care, as well as influence decisions made by dentists and patients alike,” said Dr. No-Hee Park, dean of the UCLA School of Dentistry. “The Dragoo Center helps us further achieve our mission, which is to improve the oral health of the people of the world. I cannot thank the Dragoos enough for their support.”

Directing the Dragoo Periodontal and Implant Center will be Dr. Perry Klokkevold, an associate professor, acting chair and director of the residency program in the section of periodontics at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Klokkevold has more than 20 years of experience in education, administration and clinical practice in periodontics and implantology.

“We searched the country for the perfect place and director to execute our vision,” said Mick Dragoo. “Our search led us to the UCLA School of Dentistry, and we are thrilled that Dean No-Hee Park has appointed Dr. Klokkevold as the director of our new center.”

“I am fully committed, honored and inspired to have the opportunity to direct the Dragoo Periodontal and Implant Center,” Klokkevold said. “I share the Dragoo’s vision and goals of improving patient care worldwide through independently funded clinical research.”

Mick and Mary Dragoo are new donors to the UCLA family and the School of Dentistry. Dr. Dragoo is a well-known periodontist who has written and published numerous books and clinical articles. He has lectured extensively throughout the world and has been involved in independent clinical research on periodontology and implantology for nearly 40 years; he is considered an expert in these fields. He and Mary also own and operate Belle Marie Winery in Escondido, Calif., where Mick is the wine-maker.

The UCLA School of Dentistry is dedicated to improving the oral and systemic health of the people of California, the nation and the world through its teaching, research, patient care and public service initiatives.

in News
<>Related Posts

Col. Eric Swenson Honored by LA for Historic Debris Removal Effort

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Swenson, with a distinguished military background including a Ph.D. and multiple master’s degrees from Penn State and other institutions, has...

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles. Go...

(Video) Gladstone’s Malibu Prepares for Reopening after Surviving Palisades Fires

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

With One Half of its Structure Slightly Charred and Undergoing Repairs, Gladstone’s Malibu is Reopening its Patio Space Just in...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Community Mapping Survey

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The initiative aims to shape the library’s programs and services to better meet community needs, fostering an inclusive and accessible...

Third Street Promenade Loses Bibibop Asian Grill

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Bibibop opened at the Santa Monica location in 2017 after taking over a former ShopHouse space Bibibop Asian Grill, a...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...

(Video) ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Champion Pulls Big Blue Bus for 30 feet

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

World-class strongman Martins Licis pulled a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric bus through the Pier to set off Pier 360...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Amendment Unlocks New Opportunities, Secures $5.5 Million in Community Benefits The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...