LLU - Dentalgram, April 2001

Judson and Arlene Klooster named alumni of the year

Klooster

Judson Klooster, DDS, dean emeritus (left) and his wife, Arlene, receive the Alumni of the Year Award from Tom Rogers, SD'83.

Judson Klooster, DDS, MMS, dean emeritus, and Arlene Klooster have been named Alumni of the Year for the School of Dentistry. Judson Klooster

Dr. Klooster served as dean from 1971 to 1994, one of very few dental deans with more than 20 years of leadership service. Dr. Klooster was made an honorary alumnus from the School of Dentistry February 8, 2001.

In 1947, Dr. Klooster received his dental degree from the University of the Pacific (then the College of Physicians and Surgeons). He practiced dentistry in San Francisco, then moved to Southern California in 1949. After practicing general dentistry 18 years, he spent two years as a dentist with the Navy. From 1967 to 1968, he attended Tulane University in New Orleans, earning his MMS degree in biomedical communication.

He returned to LLU in 1968 as a full-time faculty member and director of continuing dental education. In 1969, Dr. Klooster was named associate dean for academic administration, and two years later succeeded Charles T. Smith, DDS, as dean of the School of Dentistry. Dr. Klooster has held leadership positions and continues to play roles in national and international organizations, serving as consultant and contributor to many projects benefiting the dental profession and the Adventist Church.

He has made significant contributions to dental literature and has received many honors. Included in the leadership positions and memberships in numerous organizations he has held, Dr. Klooster is past president of the Tri-County Dental Society, the American Fund for Dental Health, and the Rotary Club of San Bernardino Crossroads.

He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry; OKU Dental Honor Society; Sigma Xi Honor Society for Scientific Research, a fellow of the American and International Colleges of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Academy of Restorative Dentistry, Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, and Academy of Operative Dentistry, and is a member of the board of directors of the International Academy of Gnathology.
Arlene Klooster

Arlene Klooster was born in Glendale, California and attended elementary school at Glen dale Union Academy where her father, Elder A.C. Madsen, was a Bible teacher. The family moved to Loma Linda in 1935 and five years later, to Modesto. Mrs. Klooster graduated from Modesto Adventist Academy, and attended Pacific Union College in Angwin. She took piano and organ lessons at PUC, and served for many years as organist in her home church in Escondido, and more recently as associate organist at Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists. She is an associate of the American Guild of Organists.

While attending PUC she became acquainted with her future husband, Judson Klooster. Mrs. Klooster finished her nurses training in 1948, receiving her RN degree from White Memorial Hospital (now White Memorial Medical Center), in Los Angeles.

In 1949, the Kloosters moved to Escondido, where Mrs. Klooster was heavily involved in activities of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and school. She and her husband raised three daughters: Cherylin; Lynette; and Terri. From 1956 to 1967, Dr. Klooster was a part-time faculty member at the School of Dentistry, driving from Escondido to Loma Linda one day each week.

When Dr. Klooster was invited to become a full-time faculty member, the Kloosters moved to Loma Linda. Charles T. Smith, DDS, dean of the School, encouraged her to pursue dental hygiene. She followed his advice and graduated in 1971, receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. She was president of her senior class.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Klooster practiced dental hygiene in numerous Inland Empire dental offices. Her longest tenure was in the office of George Gray, DDS, in Hemet.

In each professional setting she developed friendships with her many patients, developed positive relationships with colleagues, and enjoyed serving her profession.