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CenterPlace Health Welcomes Dentist and Educator, Francis M Curd, DMD DDS Contact Name: Kari Ellingstad Contact Email: kari.ellingstad@centerplacehealth.org Contact Phone Number: 941.539.3949 CenterPlace Health is excited to welcome dentist Francis M. Curd, DDS, DMD, FICD, FACD. During his career, Dr. Curd has made a significant mark on advancing the profession of dentistry through his dedication to teaching, serving patients, engaging in research, and contributing to curriculum at numerous academic institutions—all while maintaining a focus on mentoring students. Throughout his career, he has been a leader not only in raising awareness of dental health disparities, but in effecting change. Dr. Curd graduated with a bachelor’s in science from Youngstown State and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Dental Surgery degrees from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. After graduation from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Curd served as a fulltime clinical instructor at The Ohio State University School of Dentistry before establishing a private practice in Youngstown, Ohio where he also served as assistant professor and coordinator of the Youngstown State University Dental Hygiene Program and as the dental director of the Eastside Medical Center and Youngstown Community Health Center. He moved his practice to Cleveland in 1988 and joined the CWRU faculty in 1998 as a preceptor, followed by director of quality assurance and assistant professor of comprehensive care. Dr. Curd’s academic journey then took him to the University of Nevada Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine and then to LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, where he served as the assistant dean of clinical education and the assistant dean of diversity and inclusion. “Dr. Curd is a humanitarian and has had notable community involvement throughout his career. He serves on the board of Health Legacy of Cleveland that provides scholarships to minority dental and medical students,” notes Lucia Johnson, DMD ’04 . “He continues the legacy of Dr. Jefferson Jones by recruiting talented minority dental professionals to provide role models and service to disadvantaged people throughout the community.” Always active in organized dentistry where he has held many leadership positions, Dr. Curd also served on the board of the CWRU School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association. He is a Fellow of both the International College of Dentists and American College of Dentists and is a dental examiner for the CDCA (NERB). “As he continues to recruit and mentor bright minds to careers in dentistry, his goal is to ensure that diversity and inclusion are truly honored in our profession,” adds Madge Potts-Williams, DDS ’81 who credits Dr. Curd with encouraging her to pursue dental medicine. He recruited her to join him at LECOM as an assistant professor of operative dentistry. Dr. Curd resides in Bradenton, Florida with his wife Pam. He takes great joy in visiting with his three adult children and four grandchildren when time allows. ________________________________________________________________________________ Photo Link: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b5604247e3c3a7d8a3a810f/t/5f1b340b13cbc959e748dc28/1595618315442/Francis+Curd.jpg