In Memoriam of Dr. Arthur Burns

With heavy hearts and grieving souls, and I think Art himself would look upward and simply say, "Tugah." With much grief.

There is no doubt that Art was one of the most brilliant, ethical odontologists to ever practice this specialty. In Jacksonville — and truly throughout North Florida — he was the man in forensic odontology. He was the medical examiner's first choice, and he served the North Florida Medical Examiner's Office with dedication and excellence for many years.

Art's path into dentistry was not an easy one. After his first year, Emory Dental School dismissed him, telling him he was "not fit" for the profession. It was later understood that this had happened for religious reasons. Art was deeply hurt by this injustice, but he was not broken. He refused to let someone else define his limits.

He was accepted to Tufts University School of Dentistry, where he not only succeeded, but graduated first in his class. He continued his education, earning a master's degree in orthodontics, and went on to practice as an orthodontist in Jacksonville for more than 30 years. In addition to his private practice, Art served for many years as the forensic odontologist for the North Florida Medical Examiner's Office. When a case arose and answers were needed, Art was the one everyone turned to. He and I consulted on several cases over the years, and I always found his opinions thoughtful, precise, and trustworthy.

Despite his brilliance, Art was shy and humble. He never sought the spotlight — but his quiet excellence lit the way for so many in our profession. And now, we find ourselves missing one of our very best. 

I want to close with something simple, something I believe Art would appreciate and understand in his own way: "Yagon."

But not forgotten.

Arthur Burns Obituary - Jacksonville, FL