Dr. Erik Harrington is an eighth generation Texan with long family ties to Texas medicine. Dr. Harrington graduated from the University of Texas with a double major in history and psychology. After his undergraduate work, Dr. Harrington completed two years as a research assistant in the Department of Molecular Genetics at UT Southwestern, under the leadership of Helen Hobbs, MD and chaired by Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein, Nobel Prize Winners. With his experience in research, Dr. Harrington was awarded a $160,000 fellowship to attend Baylor Dental School and where he completed craniofacial research culminating in a staggered DDS/ PhD double degree.

Upon graduating with his Doctorate in Dental Surgery, Dr. Harrington was awarded the (ADA) American Dental Association’s Outstanding Senior award, given to a senior “who most exemplifies the ability, integrity and professionalism desired in a graduating doctor.” He was also awarded Outstanding Senior Award by the Academy of Operative Dentistry, Outstanding Senior Award by the Dallas section for the IADR (International Association of Dental Research). As President of the National Student Research Group the AADR (American Association of Dental Research) he was awarded a Distinguished Service Award as well as the NIH/ NIDCR (National Institute of Health/ of Dental and Craniofacial Research) Ruth L. Kirchstein National Research Service Award.

Dr. Harrington has been published in numerous publications (papers and abstracts) and has presented his research across the nation. He has held positions on the AADR and IADR Board of Directors and is a member of several organizations.