Walter Psoter, DDS, PhD, a respected oral health scholar and mentor at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH), died on December 11 at the age of 74.
Dr. Psoter devoted decades to academic dentistry and public health, maintaining a long-standing relationship with the University of Rochester. A graduate of New York University’s College of Dentistry, where he was valedictorian, he later earned a PhD in Epidemiology from Yale University. His research focused on head and neck cancer, oral cancer detection, and the social and economic factors influencing oral health outcomes.
His scholarly impact was widely recognized. According to ScholarGPS, Dr. Psoter ranked among the top 2.2% of researchers worldwide in Dentistry and the top 3.2% in Oral Health overall.
At EIOH, Dr. Psoter was best known for his commitment to faculty development. In 2022, he became co-leader of the HRSA–EIOH EPIC Dental Faculty Development Program, where he helped guide educators through promotion, research, and leadership pathways. Colleagues consistently described him as a thoughtful and generous mentor who encouraged collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
“Walt had a genuine and sustained commitment to faculty development,” said Linda Rasubala, DDS, PhD, MSHPE, site director of EIOH’s Howitt Urgent Dental Care. “He encouraged people to grow, take intellectual risks, and see themselves as scholars and leaders. His impact was lasting.”
Dr. Psoter’s mentoring approach was shaped by early work in community and global public health. He served in community health centers and international settings, including Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica. He later held faculty and research roles at NYU and Lutheran Medical Center, contributing to community-based residency programs and reinforcing his belief in equity and access in dentistry.
Cyril Meyerowitz, DDS, MS, EIOH director emeritus, first met Dr. Psoter during the early general practice residency years at Strong Memorial Hospital. He recalled Dr. Psoter’s sharp intellect and strong interest in public health, noting his contributions to grant-funded research and oral cancer detection in general dental practices.
Dr. Psoter’s influence extended beyond scholarship. Sean McLaren, DDS, MBA, EIOH chief officer for Quality, Compliance and Safety, described him as a mentor who offered perspective, follow-up, and personal support. “He genuinely enjoyed being a mentor and cared deeply about the people he guided,” McLaren said.
EIOH Director Eli Eliav, DMD, PhD, MBA, said Dr. Psoter’s legacy lies in both his research and his dedication to developing others. “His mentorship strengthened our faculty, residents, and staff,” Eliav said.
A celebration of Dr. Psoter’s life will be announced by his family at a later date.