Duncan, R. E., Navy

Wilbur Van Zile was born August 24, 1904 in New Jersey and at an early age he traveled with his family across the United States, settling in California. Mr. Van Zile always had an interest in short wave radio and dentistry, keeping an active on-the-air radio status and updated licenses; and excelling in dentistry while improving methods for maxillofacial surgery.

After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1928 and completing his undergraduate work from the University of Southern California College of Dentistry, Wilbur Van Zile completed his graduate work at the University of Minnesota’s Mayo Foundation.

After a few years of private practice Wilbur Van Zile applied to the Navy Dental Corps and was one of nine candidates selected out of dozens. During this time he also published many articles appearing in the “Journal of Oral Surgery”.

During World War II an administrator of dental affairs during the South Pacific Theater of Operation (Pacific War of 1941-45). From 1950-1959 Wilbur Van Zile was Chief of Dental Services and Oral Surgeon at Naval Hospitals. He was instrumental in starting the graduate residency program for Oral Surgery at the United States Naval Hospital in Oakland.

During this time Wilbur Van Zile continually strived to improve methods for oral surgery; he devised a root canal technique for anterior teeth which would result in improved healing.

Wilbur Van Zile was a Professor and Chairman in the Department of Oral Surgery for ten years (1959-1969) at the University of Oregon Dental School (the predecessor to OHSU School of Dentistry). While working at the University of Oregon Dental School, Wilbur Van Zile initiated a graduate residency program for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. After retiring from teaching he returned to private practice for ten years (1969-1979) before retiring from dentistry altogether.

Wilbur Van Zile belonged to many professional organizations, some include: Phi Kappa Phi (an International Scholastic Fraternity), the American Dental Association, the American Society of Oral Surgeons, the American Association of Hospital Dental Chiefs (his role: Regional Vice President), the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (his role: Diplomat), the American College of Dentists (his role: Fellow), the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (his role: Honorary Member), and American Association of Dental Anesthesiologists.

Wilbur Van Zile was married to Ruth Harrison. Their correspondence throughout the 1930s-1940s gives an insightful look into Ruth's life and the lives of people before and during World War II. Wilbur Van Zile met Ruth in his senior year at the University of Southern California Dental School, they were married for seventy years before her death in 1998, Wilbur Van Zile died in 2009, he was 104.

From the guide to the Guide to the Wilbur Nelson Van Zile Papers, 1900-2004, (Oregon Health & Science University Historical Collections & Archives)