Family establishes two endowments in Wong’s name

Mark E. K. Wong, DDS, longtime chair and professor of the Bernard and Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.

The legacy of Mark E. K. Wong, DDS, longtime chair and professor of the Bernard and Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, will continue through two new endowments established in his name.

The Mark E. Wong, DDS Distinguished Professorship and the Mark E. Wong, DDS OMS Research Endowment each carry a $500,000 commitment from the Wong family, and each will receive a $500,000 match from UTHealth Houston. Together, the two endowments will represent a combined $2 million in philanthropic support for oral and maxillofacial surgery research and scholarly activities.

Wong passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sept. 4. He spent nearly four decades at the School of Dentistry, serving as chair of the Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 2000 to 2026 and as director of the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program.

“Mark’s influence on the School of Dentistry and the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery will continue through the surgeons he trained, the research he advanced, and the colleagues and trainees he mentored. These endowments are a meaningful way to honor his legacy and ensure his commitment to education and research continues to benefit our school and the profession for years to come,” said Dean John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, who joined the faculty with Wong in 1987.

The Mark E. Wong, DDS Distinguished Professorship will support research and scholarly activities in oral and maxillofacial surgery, including research personnel, pilot and collaborative projects, equipment, materials, core services, travel, and other research-related needs.

The Mark E. Wong, DDS OMS Research Endowment will support research within the Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, with funding available for research personnel, pilot and collaborative projects, equipment, core services, research-related travel, and other departmental research needs. Simon W. Young, DDS, MD, PhD, chair of the Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, is the fund steward.

“Dr. Wong understood the importance of investing in people and creating opportunities for the next generation of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and researchers,” said Young, who was mentored by Wong throughout his career. “These endowments will provide lasting resources to advance new ideas, support faculty and trainees, and strengthen our department’s research mission for generations to come.”

Wong’s influence extended beyond the School of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he trained and mentored oral and maxillofacial surgeons. His service included nearly 30 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he helped strengthen the Royal Canadian Dental Corps’ surgical capabilities and readiness. In April 2026, Wong received the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service in recognition of his decades of dedication to training, mentorship, and advocacy on behalf of Canadian military surgeons.

Wong was also named a 2026 recipient of the School of Dentistry’s Honorary Alumnus Award, which recognizes individuals who are not School of Dentistry graduates but have demonstrated an enduring commitment to students, residents, faculty, staff, and the advancement of dental education and the profession.

To make a gift to the Mark E. Wong, DDS OMS Research Endowment, visit ?go.uth.edu/WongMem27.