Dr. James S. Brudvik

James Brudvik DDS, passed away peacefully in Seattle, Washington on June 22, 2022. He was born to Grace and Gilbert Brudvik in Mayville, N.D.  Jim could often be heard telling stories of visiting his grandparents in Mohall, N.D., where he spent many summers working on Grandpa Ole Brudvik’s farm.   After completing his pre-dental education at North Dakota State University in 1953 Jim received his DDS from the University of Minnesota in 1957.  Upon graduation he began a lengthy and distinguished career in the Army where his first duty station took him and his wife Irene to France for three years.

After an unfulfilling 18-month experiment with private practice in Minnesota in 1961, Dr. Brudvik accepted an assignment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  There he was assigned to the prosthodontic laboratory and clinic until he began his formal prosthodontic residency in July 1964.  He completed the removable prosthodontic training two years later and was immediately reassigned as an instructor.  In 1967, the same year he received his certification from the American Board of Prosthodontics, he was sent to Saigon, Vietnam.

Upon his return from Vietnam, he completed a Residency in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the University of Texas, Houston, M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital in 1969.  Over the next ten years of his Army career he would train, interact with, and befriend countless Army Dental Corp officers and enlisted personnel.  He developed and directed the Maxillofacial Laboratory at Walter Reed for its mission to support US Army Maxillofacial prosthetics world-wide  He retired from the military in 1979 with the rank of Colonel, which would become an ever-lasting moniker through the second phase of his professional career.

The second major chapter in Jim’s professional life began when he accepted an Assoc. Professorship in the Dept. of Removable Prosthodontics at the University of Washington in 1979.  He initially taught in both the predoctoral and grad pros programs.  He was a very popular teacher in both programs. The students quickly discovered that Jim was a very talented teacher who motivated them to achieve greatness. They were also captivated by his charming personality and quick wit! He was promoted to full professor in 1983.

With time Jim gravitated to the now combined Graduate Prosthodontic Training program, becoming Associate Director from 1985-1990 and then Director from 1990-1995.  Known affectionately as ‘The Colonel’ to all the residents, he was an ever-present voice for removable prosthodontics amidst a fixed prosthodontic dominated training environment.  Three decades worth of UW graduates, many now considered the elite of the world’s dental educators, learned practical yet highly advanced removable prosthodontics from the Colonel.  His career of selfless teaching to both undergraduate and post-graduate students was recognized by the University of Washington School of Dentistry by his receipt of the Bruce R. Rothwell Distinguished Teacher award in 2002.

Jim retired from the University in 1998. As Professor Emeritus he continued on a half-time position for five years. Following that he continued without compensation for one day per week until 2018.  The reduction in administrative responsibilities gave him more time for research projects, publications, and hands-on interaction with the Graduate Prosthodontic residents.  By this time he had published nearly 60 peer-reviewed dental articles, a textbook, and was a contributing author on four other textbooks. Many of the articles were teaching moments, guiding the lead-author resident through the publishing process for clinical cases he had overseen.  This made him an excellent editor and reviewer, a job he held for the Journal of the American Dental Association, Journal of Prosthodontics, Journal of the American College of Prosthodontists, and International Journal of Prosthodontics.  Drawing on his French speaking skills, which he greatly enjoyed, he reviewed and abstracted French language translations for the American Dental Association until 1989. 

His worldly travels, to 6 different continents, were often trips to the home countries of dental colleagues or former residents.  Between 1999 and 2002 alone, he gave major presentations in South Africa, Nova Scotia, Sweden, Mexico, New York, New Zealand, and Taipei.  He was often the honored guest lecturer and reason for the conference, speaking on RPD’s for multiple days. 

His influence was not only seen in the individuals he trained, but also in the formative years of the most prominent prosthodontic organizations that now exist.  He was a charter fellow for both the American College of Prosthodontists and International College of Prosthodontists, serving as ACP program chair in 1974-1975.  He served as a long-time member and  President of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics in 1980.  His other prominent memberships included the Academy of Prosthodontics, American Prosthodontic Society and the Washington State Society of Prosthodontists.  In 1999, Quintessence published his textbook Advanced Removable Partial Dentures.  His hand-drawn illustrations highlighted a modern RPD philosophy, significantly new and developed over time.  This textbook solidified his place among the world’s experts on this topic. 

Without a doubt, the wealth of Jim Brudvik’s service is beyond measure in the memories of those he taught, served, and befriended.  It was a remarkable career in service to his students, his patients and his country.  To be emulated by those left behind.

Jim’s wife, Irene passed away on Sept. 30, 2022.  He is survived by his two daughters and their spouses and four grandchildren.

Prepared by AP Life Fellow
Dr. Charles Bolender