Dr. Jack D. Preston

1933 - July 2025

Dr. Jack D. Preston, a distinguished prosthodontist, educator, and leader in dentistry, passed away peacefully at his home in Templeton, California, in July 2025, with his beloved wife, Charlotte, at his side. Born in Lovell, Wyoming, in 1933, Dr. Preston earned a scholarship to the University of Wyoming and later graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He served his country in the United States Army for 12 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, and completed a residency in Fixed Prosthodontics at Fitzsimons General Hospital.

He went on to establish an Advanced Prosthodontic Residency Program at the Los Angeles Veterans Administration Dental Service and served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging at USC, where he was honored as the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Professor of Esthetic Dentistry and later retired as Professor Emeritus. Concurrently, he maintained a private practice in Brentwood, California, limited to prosthodontics.

A Diplomate and former President of the American Board of Prosthodontics, Dr. Preston was also a respected Fellow of the Academy of Prosthodontics. His contributions to the Academy included serving as editor of the fifth edition of The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, helping shape scientific programming on emerging electronic technology and informatics, and supporting the Academy’s early digital presence. He was a distinguished member of more than 20 prosthodontic organizations and an internationally recognized lecturer, author, and educator who shared his expertise in 39 states and at least 22 countries across five continents.

After retiring from dentistry, Dr. Preston embraced life on California’s central coast, where he found joy in viticulture and winemaking, producing award-winning Bordeaux wines in Templeton. He cherished the starlit skies, friendships, and the peaceful rhythm of vineyard life. His legacy endures through his profound contributions to prosthodontic education, terminology, evidence-based practice, technology, and professional standards, as well as through the countless professionals he mentored worldwide and the love he shared with his family and friends. He is truly missed by all who knew him.

Dr. Preston is survived by his wife, Charlotte A. Preston; two sons, Richard and Christopher; two stepchildren, Matthew Todd Hatchard and Sheri Hatchard-Sandoval; two granddaughters, Kathleen and Alison; five step-grandchildren, Max Hatchard, Ian Hatchard, Trevor Hatchard, Blythe Hatchard, Breah Sandoval, and Shane Sandoval; and one great-granddaughter, Harper M. Hatchard.

Prepared by the Resolutions and Remembrance Committee Chair, Mijin Choi •  May 6, 2026