Pankey Institute

The Pankey Institute was established to promote excellence and balance in the profession of dentistry. Dr. L.D. Pankey, for whom the Institute is named, distinguished himself in the profession of dentistry for more than 50 years. His unswerving commitment to saving his patients’ teeth for their lifetime and to whole-person dentistry inspired the philosophy and program of The Pankey Institute.

Since early 1972, more than 20,000 dentists from around the world have attended the Institute. It is the one place where dentists can fully immerse themselves in hands-on courses and discussions that lead to mastering advanced technical skills, improving behavioral skills, and nurturing a positive philosophy towards life and practice.

Dr. Catherine Oden Fulton attended the Pankey Institute’s course for specialists and is an alumni association member. She followed in the footsteps of her father, Dr. Leonard O. Oden, who is a member of a small group that met annually with Dr. Pankey and has continued to meet after Dr. Pankey passed away. For many years, Dr. Oden and his fellow “Perennial Sophomores” gathered to learn from L.D. Pankey. The Perennial Sophomores have met for more than 45 years, even after L.D.’s death, to celebrate his philosophy.

Dr. Pankey’s philosophy of living a balanced life is illustrated by the “Cross of Life.”

Dr. Pankey utilized the following poem in his Philosophy of the Practice of Dentistry:

You don’t have to tell how you live each day;
You don’t have to say if you work or play;
A tried, true barometer serves in the place;
However you live, it will show in your face.

The false, the deceit that you bear in your heart;
Will not stay inside where it first got a start;
For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace;
What you wear in your heart, you show in your face.

If your life is unselfish, if for others you live;
For not what you get, but how much you can give;
If you live close to God in His infinite grace;
You don’t have to tell it, it shows on your face.