2024 Spring Synergy

The University of Florida College of Dentistry is proud to announce the return of Spring Synergy at the HPNP Building on the University of Florida campus. Join us for Research Day on Friday, March 29, for this year’s Robert L. Kaplan Scholar and Research Keynote Speaker, Dr. Greg J. Huang, poster presentations and vendor fair.

Brought to you by the College of Dentistry Office of Research, Continuing Education, the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) — and supported by the Robert L. Kaplan Visiting Professorship FundSpring Synergy promotes the college’s many research accomplishments and provides a venue to learn through CE, and interact with the campus community, alumni and industry professionals.

HPNP Building: 1225 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32601



Thursday, March 28, 2024 | UFCD Faculty & Resident Robert L. Kaplan Scholar Presentations

for UFCD Orthodontics Faculty

Presentation to Orthodontics Department


Thursday, March 28

*Open to UFCD Orthodontics Faculty Only


Friday, March 29, 2023 | Spring Synergy: Research Day & Robert L. Kaplan Scholar Presentations

Robert L. Kaplan Scholar Presentation

Spring Synergy CE Lecture


Friday, March 29
HPNP Auditorium 1404
8:05 to 10:00 a.m.

UFCD Faculty, Staff, Students: Free with valid @dental.ufl.edu email address

Robert L. Kaplan Scholar Presentation, Parking, Breakfast, Lunch, Research Day and ASDA Vendor Fair included with registration.

Research Keynote is free with payment of Robert L. Kaplan Scholar Presentation.

*Open to All UF and Outside Participants

Research keynote presentation

Research Keynote Presentation


Friday, March 29
HPNP Auditorium 1404
10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
1 CEU

Research Keynote is free with payment for the Robert L. Kaplan Scholar Presentation.

*Open to All UF and Outside Participants

Biomedical Sciences Building Lobby

ASDA Vendor Fair

Friday, March 29
Biomedical Sciences Building Lobby


Meet the 2024 Robert L. Kaplan Scholar: Dr. Greg J. Huang

Greg J. Huang DMD, MSD, MPH

Dr. Huang attended dental school at the University of Florida, and then received his Certificate in Orthodontics and MSD from the University of Washington. He also holds an MPH in epidemiology from UW.  He has been in full-time academics since 1999.  Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Department of Orthodontics at UW, as well as the Associate Dean for Faculty. He is a proponent of Evidence-based Orthodontics, and is heavily involved in clinical research.  Dr. Huang is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and is the co-editor of two well-known orthodontic textbooks – Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques, 7th Edition, and Evidence-based Orthodontics, 2nd edition.  He still considers Florida “home” and is a loyal Gator!


Dr. Robert L. Kaplan’s Legacy

Dr. Robert L. Kaplan
Dr. Robert L. Kaplan

Spring Synergy and the Robert L. Kaplan Scholar presentation are annually supported by the Robert L. Kaplan Visiting Professorship Fund. Robert L. Kaplan, D.D.S., past president of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, was the chairman of the Dental Advisory Committee in 1969 that was instrumental in making the case to the Florida Legislature for a dental school in the state of Florida, thus playing a critical role in establishing our college. The South Florida Dental Association sponsored a campaign to establish the visiting professorship honoring Dr. Kaplan after he passed away in 1989.

Dr. Kaplan was the keynote speaker at our college’s first commencement ceremony in 1976. View a copy of his speech.