Former ADA Vice President Richard A. Kozal dies at 73

Mesquite, Nev.—Past ADA Vice President Richard A. Kozal, the secretary-general of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, died March 11 at age 73. He served as ADA second vice president from 1983-84.

Dr. Kozal was a former ADA delegate, a past president of the Chicago Dental Society, a past regent of the International College of Dentists, a fellow of the American College of Dentists and fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

At the time of his death Dr. Kozal had been the academy’s secretary-general and ran the day-to-day business of the central office, which he relocated to Mesquite in 2006. He and his wife, Judith, ran the PFA office for 29 years.

“We both loved dentistry and were very dedicated to it,” Mrs. Kozal, a former dental assistant, told the ADA News. “It was a blessing to be able to work together in a profession we loved. I lost my best friend, my soul mate and the love of my life.”

A 1961 graduate of the Loyola University School of Dentistry, Dr. Kozal entered the Army after graduation and served two years before entering general dental practice for 38 years in Summit, Ill., a Chicago suburb. Nine years ago he retired and moved to Las Vegas with his wife, ultimately settling in Mesquite.

His 20-year military service included the Army Reserve Dental Corps, where he attained the rank of colonel. He served as commander of the 149th Dental Unit at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, and deputy commander of the 88th Medical Brigade.

In Chicago, he taught at Loyola until the school closed in 1993. ADA 8th District Trustee Dennis E. Manning was a student of Dr. Kozal’s at Loyola. “He taught removable prosthetics,” Dr. Manning recalled. “We held him in high esteem as an instructor at Loyola. We said he was ‘twice a citizen’ for his Reserve participation.”

In Nevada, Dr. Kozal taught at a local dental hygiene program.

Dr. James M. Brophy III, PFA Dental World editor, said Dr. Kozal had been a friend for 40 years. “”He was my sponsor, my mentor, my big brother. We grew up in Chicago, met at Loyola Dental School as professors learning and teaching there.”

The two of them worked together in organized dentistry, with Dr. Brophy in various editor positions that complemented Dr. Kozal’s volunteer efforts.

“When he settled into being the Secretary General for the Pierre Fauchard Academy, he had me do their publication Dental World for the last 20 years,” Dr. Brophy told the ADA News. “One does not serve another for that long and in so many varied ways without feeling a strong bond and awe of his command. Richard Kozal was such a leader. I have already cried many tears knowing that there will not be another such as he to come along and serve our profession.”

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Paul, David (a dentist), Rick and stepson, Michael; a sister and brother; and three grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held March 19 at noon at Mesquite City Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Thursday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Virgin Valley Mortuary. An online memorial guestbook is at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.