In Memoriam: Dr. William Duncan
The Medical Center extends its sympathy to the family of a former faculty member in appreciation for his contributions to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Dr. William Duncan
Dr. William K. Duncan, UMMC School of Dentistry former professor and chairman of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, died Feb. 1, 2026. He was 79.
Duncan served as professor and chair of pediatric dentistry in the School of Dentistry and held a joint appointment in pediatrics in the School of Medicine. Over the course of his career, he trained generations of dental students and residents while advancing pediatric oral health care across the state.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Duncan began his academic path at Ohio State University before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Ohio State University in 1972. He later completed a master's degree at Marquette University and a pediatric dentistry residency at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital, receiving a certificate of specialty in pedodontics.
Before entering academic dentistry, Duncan served as a dental officer in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1974. He then joined the Marquette University dental faculty and served as associate director of the pediatric dental residency program at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital.
Duncan came to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1984 as an associate professor of pediatric dentistry. Over the following decades, he became a central figure in the development of pediatric dental education at UMMC. He was named chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in 1987 and later led the department as it expanded into the Department of Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry.
Throughout his career, Duncan was known first as a teacher. He earned tenure in 1990 and received multiple teaching honors, including repeated Excellence in Classroom Instruction awards and the American College of Dentists Faculty Award. He served on numerous school of dentistry committees that help guide both curriculum and student development. He was a support system for pediatric dental faculty who initiated and established the pediatric dental residency program, and took pride in teaching pediatric dentistry residents.
His influence extended far beyond the classroom. Duncan served on the medical staff of the Mississippi State Board of Health’s Children’s and Special Health Services unit and worked with community health organizations to expand access to dental care for children.
He also consulted with the Choctaw Indian Health Center and participated in outreach and screening programs focused on child health and safety.
Duncan authored or co-authored more than 30 abstracts and numerous peer-reviewed publications on pediatric dentistry, dental development and childhood oral disease. His research and presentations addressed topics ranging from pediatric dental trauma to behavioral management and dental development in children.
He was an active member of professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the American Society of Dentistry for Children and served as president of the Mississippi Society of Pediatric Dentists.
Colleagues remember Duncan as a steady mentor and advocate for children’s oral health whose greatest legacy lies in the many dentists he trained and the patients they continue to serve.
The Medical Center extends its condolences to his loved ones, former students, colleagues and patients.