GREENWICH, Conn. – Dr. Robert A. Aslanian, oral surgeon, mentor and artist, passed away on September 11, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74 years old. A medical professional in the Greenwich community for 45 years, Bob, as he was called, was known for his high level of professionalism, integrity, compassion and gentle nature. He was cherished and loved by his family, friends and patients.
Born in New York City on February 6, 1943, into a close-knit Armenian family and community, Bob was the son of the late Mary and Arsen Aslanian. His father served in World War II and did not return until Bob was three years old. Bob received his undergraduate degree from New York University (Heights Colleges) and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the NYU College of Dentistry in 1968; he went on to post-graduate training in oral surgery at Hartford Hospital (University of Connecticut Health Center), after which he opened his oral surgery practice, currently Infinity Oral Surgery, at The Medical Building, 49 Lake Ave., in 1971.
Bob served on the attending staff as an Oral Surgeon and Chief of the Section of Dental and Oral Surgery at Greenwich Hospital from 1982 until his passing. Bob also was Consultant in Dentistry and Oral Surgery at Dental Care of Stamford and at Connecticut Health of Greenwich. In addition to his extensive involvement in the Greenwich dental community, Bob was Assistant Clinical Professor at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. Bob was a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery and held dental licenses from New York and Connecticut. He was a Life Fellow of the American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and a Life Member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut Dental Society, which he served as President and the Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Bob has been named as a Top Dentist in Connecticut Magazine‘s survey of Connecticut dentists. Alibis, a Greenwich organization for special needs children and adults, presented Bob with the Outstanding Health Professional of 2008 Award for his caring and compassion. Bob was past President of the Armenian-American Health Professional Organization (AAHPO) of the Tristate Area.
“Bob was a strong believer in Armenian health care professionals helping the Armenian community. As an early leader of AAHPO, he fostered the growth of this nascent organization and laid the foundation that continues to be instrumental in all we have accomplished today. He continued his involvement for many years, helping with the 2009 Armenian Medical Congress in New York, and leading a medical workshop at St. Gregory’s,” noted current AAHPO President Lawrence V. Najarian. Najarian said, “He was deeply committed and always willing to lend a helping hand.” Bob presented a case study of a Gigantiform Cementoblastoma of the Mandible to the Armenian World Congress held in New York City.
In April 2016, Greenwich Hospital honored Bob with grateful appreciation for his 45 years of service to the hospital. In June 2017, he received the monthly Quality Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Greenwich Hospital’s “Commitment to Service Excellence”.
