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1970s

Class of 1976 (Prosthodontics)

IN MEMORIAM

DR. RONALD A. BRYANT, GRADUATE PROSTHODONTICS CLASS OF 1976

Dr. Bryant

Dr. Ronald A. Bryant died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Dec. 23, 2018, from a rare and untreatable prostate cancer. He was 70.

Dr. Bryant was born on May 24, 1948 in Dallas to Eugene Willis and Dorothy (Eakin) Bryant. He was a wonderful family man and a world-class dentist. He absolutely loved both his family and his career. In his own words, “My family is number one. My wife, Cheryl, and I have been married 50 years and we have two wonderful grown sons (Jon and Jason), two lovely daughters-in-law (Austin and Marisa), two beautiful granddaughters (Mikayla and Audrey), and a grandson (Max) who – like me – loves to build things. We feel blessed and are very proud of them all.”

Dr. Bryant’s family was also very proud of him. He was a kindhearted, positive, curious, enthusiastic, generous, and vibrant man who positively impacted so many lives. His death is a tremendous loss for his family, his friends and the field of dentistry.

Dr. Bryant truly felt he was born to be a dentist. As a child, he was always interested in arts and crafts and could often be found building things in his father’s workshop. In school his favorite subject was science. In seventh grade, after a visit to his dentist, he decided dentistry was a perfect blend of art, craftsmanship and science. He decided right then to become a dentist and never wavered. He earned his Eagle Scout, which helped establish and cement a legendary work ethic.

Dr. Bryant earned his BS degree at The University of Texas, Arlington, and his DDS at Baylor Dental College in Dallas, where he was grateful for the guidance and mentorship he received from Dr. Jesse T. Bullard. After becoming a dentist, he completed a two-year residency at the School of Dentistry, earning a specialty MSD degree in prosthodontics, with emphasis in the field of periodontal prosthodontics.

He and his family fell in love with the Seattle area and decided to make it their home. After he began practicing, he was determined to develop into one of the best dentists in his field. He was always thrilled to attend courses providing advanced training in the most cutting-edge dental techniques. He passionately studied cosmetic dentistry, dental implant surgery and restoration, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, periodontics, advanced soft tissue and bone grafting surgical procedures, TMJ, laser dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental porcelain, and dental laboratory procedures.

Dr. Bryant excelled in restorative and reconstructive dentistry. He was regarded by many of his peers as one of the best clinicians in the world. He was board-certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics and by the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. Additionally, he was one of only 35 prosthodontists in the world to have earned board certification in prosthodontics and implant dentistry.

Dr. Bryant also attained the distinction of Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Because of these accomplishments and other notable qualifications, many dentists referred their patients to him for difficult and complicated treatments.

His additional professional distinctions include being awarded Fellow in the American College of Prosthodontists (FACP), Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow in the American College of Dentists (FACD). He also had memberships in the American Dental Association, Washington State Society of Prosthodontists, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Academy of Osseointegration, American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, Washington State Dental Association, and Seattle-King County Dental Society. Further, he was a former faculty member at the School of Dentistry and Baylor Dental College. He also belonged to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, Alpha Chi Honor Society, and Baylor Odontological Honor Society, and received the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry Award and the Psi Omega Scholastic Award.

While his family and his career were his greatest passions, he also enjoyed photography – especially nature and wildlife photography. Photography was in his genes. His father and brother were professional portrait photographers. He also enjoyed flying single-engine aircraft and had ratings for land, sea, and instrument flight rules.

Dr. Bryant is survived by his wife, Cheryl McDonough Bryant; sons Jonathan Allen (wife Austin) and Jason (wife Marisa); grandchildren Mikayla Leigh, Audrey Anne, and Maxwell Jameson Bryant; and siblings Ray Howard (wife Debra) and Robyn Bryant McDowell (husband Fred). (https://bartonfuneral.com)

DR. EUGENE CHOY, PROSTHODONTICS CLASS OF 1976

Dr. Eugene Choy

Dr. Eugene Choy passed away on April 6, 2018 at his home in Tacoma. He was 79.

After earning his MSD degree in prosthodontics at the UW, he enjoyed a busy practice in Tacoma for over 25 years, where he performed most laboratory procedures himself because of his high clinical standards. His patients loved his gentle, caring attitude and commitment to his best clinical outcome. After retirement, Dr. Choy continued his passion of giving to others by volunteering at Marine View Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, refurbishing bikes for underprivileged families.

He is survived by his wife, Young; and children Jon and Cheryl. (Seattle Times)