Joseph Louis Henry (d. 2011) received his degree from Howard University’s College of Dentistry and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. As a faculty member at Howard College of Dentistry, he was Director of Clinics and Coordinator of Research, and in 1966, Dean. In 1975, Dr. Paul Goldhaber, Dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, recruited Dr. Henry to Harvard to become Professor of Oral Medicine, Department Chair, and Associate Dean for External Affairs. From 1990 to 1991, Dr. Henry served as Interim Dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Henry was the first Black professor on the Harvard School of Dental Medicine faculty. He is credited with stewarding the School of Dental Medicine through a period of transition that enabled it to successfully retain its position as the first dental school established within a University setting.
The Joseph L. Henry Oral Health Fellowship in Minority Health Policy was established in the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership in 2005.