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Louis Terkla papers, Collection number 2012-002, Historical Collections & Archives, Oregon Health & Science University
Louis Gabriel Terkla, D.M.D., (March 24, 1925 - September 11, 2022) was born and raised in Anaconda, Montana, a town heavily influenced by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. After serving as a radio operator in the 10th Mountain Division Army Infantry in Italy during World War II, he returned home and worked at the smelter to save money for college. Initially interested in medicine, he switched to dentistry and enrolled at the University of Oregon Dental School (UODS), graduating in 1952.
Dr. Terkla's career at UODS began shortly after his graduation when he joined the faculty. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Assistant to the Dean in 1961 and later Dean in 1967. His tenure as Dean was marked by significant advancements, including the establishment of the Dental Careers Institute, the formation of a hospital dental service, and the development of a sister school relationship with Hokkaido University in Japan. He was also a strong advocate for affirmative action programs to enhance student recruitment.
Dr. Terkla was known for his dedication to dental education and his efforts to integrate the biological sciences throughout the dental curriculum. He played a crucial role in the consolidation of the University of Oregon's health sciences schools into the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center (now known as OHSU) in the mid-1970s.
Beyond his administrative roles, Dr. Terkla was active in professional organizations and contributed significantly to dental education through his research and publications. He served as president of the American College of Dentists, the American Association of Dental Schools, and the Western Conference of Dental Examiners and Dental School Deans. He authored several manuals, books, and book chapters, as well as numerous research and dental education papers.
His legacy is one of commitment to excellence and innovation in dental education, leaving a lasting impact on OHSU and the broader dental community.
Biographical note composed with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot and the following sources:
Oregon Encyclopedia. "Louis G. Terkla." Oregon Historical Society, n.d. https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/about/authors/604/.
Oregon Health & Science University. Oral History Interview: Louis Terkla, December 15, 1998. https://doi.org/10.6083/M40G3HZJ.
The Louis G. Terkla papers encompass a diverse range of materials primarily related to the professional activities and contributions of Dr. Terkla in the field of dentistry. The collection is organized into three main series:
Series 1: Correspondence includes correspondence related to various professional endeavors, including the search for a new dean at the University of Oregon Dental School. It contains drafts, clippings, newsletters, dental publications, remarks, notes, bulletins, memoranda, programs, and reports.
Series 2: Publications & Administrative Materials comprises published papers, speeches, and articles by Terkla in various journals. It also includes administrative materials related to the Health Professions Educational Assistance (HPEA) Act mandatory enrollment battle and the Crippled Children's Division (now the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center) planning group. Additionally, there are memorial magazines, the collaborative work "Operative Procedures" by Terkla and Kenneth Cantwell, and articles on Terkla in assorted journals and bulletins.
Series 3: Ephemera contains a variety of items, including a poster commemorating the 100th anniversary of the OHSU School of Dentistry, facsimile certificates marking significant affiliations and milestones, and a souvenir photograph album created by faculty and students in honor of his retirement as Dean of the OHSU School of Dentistry in 1984.
The collection provides valuable insights into Terkla's professional journey, contributions to dental education and practice, and involvement in significant administrative and collaborative efforts within the dental community.