…You don’t know Jack!

By Rick Rader, MD, FAAIDD, FAADM, Editor-in-chief, Helen

Jack Dillenberg is no stranger to HELEN Journal or to the world of the “Underdog.” Jack has been instrumental in bringing awareness to underserved, neglected and marginalized populations. He has been a clinician, educator, advocate, policy maker, organizer, diplomat and disrupter. He has been a mentor to generations of dedicated and committed students who have gone on to become leaders in the dental community. Jack can be considered as the poster boy for a “Game Changer.” He has been instrumental in addressing the public health issues of vulnerable populations. He has been an A-lister on virtually every international conference involving healthcare disparities. He has earned the title of “Ambassador” and has been an activist, instigator and alchemist.

Jack and co-author Michelle Barry have published the definitive “guide” to the care and feeding of Dr. Dillenberg. Note I refer to this as a “guide” not to simply a “book.” I make the distinction by the definition of a “guide” being something to assist in describing how to travel and reach a destination by accompanying them or giving them directions. Jack surely has travelled and has reached more destinations than Marco Polo or Sir Francis Drake.

It has been my privilege to be included in one of his stops along the way. Rumor has it that Tom Cruise has been offered the lead in the upcoming movie rights to "You Don’t Know Jack."

I’m not sure he could do justice to the role.

“Note I refer to this as a ‘guide’ not to simply a “book.” I make the distinction by the definition of a '‘guide’ being something to assist in describing how to travel and reach a destination by accompanying them or giving them directions.”

**—Rick Rader, MD**

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My Long-time Friend Jack

By Steven Perlman, DDS, MScD, DHL (hon); PAOH President

Attending medical or dental school in the late 1960’s was difficult, especially in New York City. The era was defined by the polarizing Vietnam war and the surging antiwar movement, continuing civil rights movement, rise of counterculture, rebelling against traditional values, emergence of feminism, social unrest, and generational divide. Graduating students at New York University’s College of Dentistry, where I attended, as well as other schools, were drafted by the military and sent to Vietnam, other bases, or public health facilities.

In the spring of 1970, one of the largest upcoming civil rights demonstrations was being held in Washington D.C. A call came out to request our student body to volunteer as medics as protestors were being gassed and fighting would within take place within the huge crowds. A call to action was led by the leader of the student body and senior class president, Jack Dillenberg. This was my first experience spending time with Jack and witnessing his commitment to a cause he believed in and his leadership skills as he mobilized the student body to travel to Washington to provide aid to the demonstrators.

After graduation, our paths crossed many times over the past 50-plus years, and I have been blessed to have shared many experiences with this legendary public health hero.

“You Don’t Know Jack” is the recently released book by Jack Dillenberg and Michelle Barry. Jack was a true pioneer in Dental Public Health when no one in the profession even thought about Public Health. After receiving a scholarship and getting a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Harvard, he went on to have a distinguished career in this emerging field. Jack became the State Health Director, the only dental professional in the country to hold that position.

As a dental professional and witnessing the increased incidence of oropharyngeal cancers, he took on the tobacco industry and implemented the most creative antismoking campaign with global reach. Building upon that success, most people do not realize that Jack, with the help of our colleague Neil Romano and baseball legend Joe Garagiloa, were responsible for ending the use of spit tobacco in Major League Baseball. It is still hard for me to believe that they were able to accomplish that.

Jack then went on to be the founding Dean of the first Dental School in Arizona, the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Throughout his tenure there, he created a nurturing environment, instilling a culture unlike any other dental schools. He emphasized to the students and faculty the importance of giving back and being a part of the community through public health. What always amazed me with my frequent visits to Jack’s school was that as we walked around, he knew the names of each and every student.

“You Don’t Know Jack” is a heartwarming, beautifully written story with lessons learned by a true leader, health visionary, and a great Humanitarian.

I thought I knew Jack well, but by reading the book, I have learned many more insights about my long time friend.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“You Don't Know Jack—My Long, Strange Trip through the World of Public Health” by Dr. Jack Dillenberg with Michelle Barry takes readers on a captivating journey through his life of public health service and leadership. From his humble beginnings in Queens, New York, to his impactful work in Jamaica, India, California, and Arizona, Dillenberg shares inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and making a difference in the world. Through his engaging narrative, Dillenberg reflects on the lessons he learned from mentors, public health professionals, and everyday people who shaped his path.

You Don’t Know Jack… And even if you thought you did…