Richard Finn, D.D.S.

Dr. Finn is currently the Director of the Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Dallas Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and holds a dual appointment with the graduate faculty in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Finn has a commitment to the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to provide clinical support and resident teaching at Parkland Hospital. Dr. Finn attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa from 1969 - 1972 and then proceeded to the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry in Chicago where he graduated in 1976. From 1976-1977 he served as a research fellow under the direction of Dr. William H. Bell. Studies into the neuromuscular adaptation following corrective jaw surgery were initiated at this time. Dr. Finn was the second recipient of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons resident research stipend, and it was during the 1978-1979 era that neuromuscular and biomechanical studies of the masticatory apparatus were given number one priority. This research continues today in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Finn is actively involved in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. He has taught Human Gross Anatomy for sixteen years, and received numerous outstanding teaching awards for his interaction. Dr. Finn also mentored three Ph.D. and five M.S. degree students while serving on the Graduate Faculty. Dr. Finn has served as a clinician and teacher to our residency program since 1981. He participates in clinical activities at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Zale Lipshy University Hospital, Children's Medical Center and the Dallas Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Finn was promoted to Professor of Surgery in September of 1996.