Submitted by WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Assocation
Dr. Les Bakos received a distinguished alumus award from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry alumni association. He was one of five recognized at alumni weekend March, 25, 2022.
Dr. Les Bakos was born and raised in California, Pennsylvania and received his B.A. in Chemistry from California University in 1964. During his undergraduate years, Dr. Bakos was a standout pitcher who compiled a remarkable 1.35 earned run average in baseball. He also played three years of basketball and football for the Trojans of Cal State. On July 29, 2019 was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame.
Les entered the WVU School of Dentistry in 1968, graduated in 1972 and entered the residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1972. He completed his residency in 1975 and went into private practice in Morgantown from 1975-1978. In 1978 Les joined the faculty at the WVU School of Dentistry where he still remains today.
During his remarkable career Dr. Bakos has served at the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the WVU School of Dentistry and has also served as Chairman of the Department of Dentistry in Ruby Memorial Hospital. Dr. Bakos has been a leader in many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and the American Association of Dental Schools. Dr. Bakos was also been a member of the West Virginia Society of Hospital Dentists where he has served as Secretary-Treasurer since 1980.
Dr. Bakos has also served his country in many ways and was Chief of Dental Services in the U.S. Army reserves. Dr. is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army where he also served on the Executive Committee of the 911th Tac Clinic.
Among his many leadership roles at the WVU School of Dentistry, Dr. Bakos has served as President of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon and has served on the Executive Committee of Monongalia General Hospital.
Dr. Bakos has also been extensively involved in continuing education and has presented programs throughout the state of West Virginia.
Additional honors include Oral Surgery Proficiency Award, the Meritorious Achievement Award, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbong and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Ribbon.