Ů remembers former Executive Director Dr Per Äke Zillen
Former Ů Executive Director Dr Per Äke Zillen of Sweden passed away on 19 January following a difficult battle with cancer. Dr Zillen was a treasured member of the oral health community and led Ů as executive director for 12 years (1989 to 2001).
Dr Zillen was a great leader in the oral health profession. Colleagues affirm that Dr Zillen transformed Ů from a rather “small and cozy club” to a truly international, financially sound, and robust membership organization. Friends and colleagues remember him as a dynamic leader with a razor-sharp mind. His creativity, ambition, and perseverance were responsible for Ů’s growth and status as a highly respected and influential global organization.
Dr Zillen held a life-long and steadfast commitment to achieving positive oral health outcomes worldwide.
He would often ask, "What have you done today to improve oral health in the world?"
Ů remembers Dr Zillen not only as a unique and instrumental Ů executive director, but also as a great man who was not afraid to embrace new challenges, and as such, changed Ů for the better. His outstanding contributions to Ů will be forever celebrated by the organization.
