The OMS Foundation remembers R. Bruce Donoff, DMD, MD, an exemplary oral and maxillofacial surgeon, scholar, educator and leader whose dedication to oral and maxillofacial surgery helped shape generations of surgeons and whose generosity and service helped strengthen the future of the OMS specialty.
Dr. Donoff passed away on Dec. 25, 2025, at age 83. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Madelyn “Mady” Donoff, and their children, Elizabeth and Daniel.
Dr. Donoff’s remarkable career was defined by a commitment to advancing both medicine and dentistry. After earning his DMD from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completing his OMS training at Massachusetts General Hospital, he earned his MD from Harvard Medical School. He later served as Chairman and Chief of Service of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital before becoming Dean of Harvard School of Dental Medicine, a position he held for 28 years.
As Dean, Dr. Donoff championed research, education and the integration of oral health into medicine. His vision to “put the mouth back in the body” helped elevate recognition of the connection between oral and systemic health. He authored more than 100 scientific publications and made significant contributions to areas including wound healing, bone graft survival, sensory nerve repair and oral cancer.
As Dean, Dr. Donoff championed research, education and the integration of oral health into medicine. His vision to “put the mouth back in the body” helped elevate recognition of the connection between oral and systemic health. He authored more than 100 scientific publications and made significant contributions to areas including wound healing, bone graft survival, sensory nerve repair and oral cancer.
His commitment to the OMS Foundation was equally significant.
Dr. Donoff understood that advancing oral and maxillofacial surgery requires investing in the people who will carry the specialty forward. Through his leadership, philanthropy and steadfast support of research and education, he helped build a stronger foundation for future generations.
Dr. Donoff’s legacy within the Foundation also is shared with his wife, Mady. A longtime supporter of the OMS community, Mady was instrumental in establishing the OMS Foundation Alliance, creating opportunities for spouses to connect, engage and build lasting friendships. The Alliance continues to bring spouses together through meaningful programs and events at the AAOMS Annual Meeting. Her dedication reflects the Donoffs’ shared commitment to strengthening not only the specialty, but the community and families behind it.
The OMS Foundation is grateful for the leadership, service, friendship and generosity of Dr. Bruce and Mady Donoff. Dr. Donoff’s influence will endure through the surgeons he mentored, the research he advanced, the leaders he inspired and the Foundation he served.
The Foundation will always be grateful for the legacy Dr. Bruce and Mady Donoff built within the OMS community.