Dr. Byoung In Suh, founder and chairman emeritus of BISCO, is being remembered by colleagues and friends as a pioneering scientist, generous educator, trusted mentor, and principled innovator whose influence on adhesive dentistry extended across generations of clinicians and researchers. Dr. Suh passed away on April 13, 2026, surrounded by family.
Over a career that spanned decades, Dr. Suh helped shape modern restorative dentistry through his work in dental materials research, education, and product development. He founded BISCO in 1981 with what the company described as “a vision for dentistry and better way to bond to tooth structure.” Throughout his career, he lectured extensively around the world, traveling to more than 40 countries and delivering more than 250 lectures and presentations at dental associations, universities, and conventions. He also authored or co-authored more than 150 scientific articles and abstracts focused on bonding research.
Among his most enduring educational contributions was his textbook, Principles of Adhesion Dentistry, designed to help clinicians better understand and apply the science behind dental materials. Drawing from decades of research, teaching, and product development, the book connects complex scientific concepts directly to clinical practice while emphasizing practical application and predictable outcomes. A second edition of the book was recently published.
For many clinicians, however, Dr. Suh’s greatest impact came through personal mentorship and his willingness to share knowledge freely.
“Byoung was an incredible mentor to many in the profession,” said Lou Graham, DDS. “He spent many Fridays teaching me, one on one, the chemistry of bonding and how best to not only optimize my clinical results but also how best to share this knowledge to my audiences for decades to follow. Those same principles continue to be as accurate today as they were 20 years ago.”
Others remembered Dr. Suh not only for his scientific expertise, but also for the way he approached innovation and education.
“Dr. Byoung Suh was one of the true pioneers of adhesion dentistry, but what I admired most was his integrity,” said Robert C. Margeas, DDS. “He cared more about doing the right thing for clinicians and patients than chasing profits or trends. So many of us who teach and lecture today owe a debt of gratitude to Byoung because he shared his knowledge so generously and helped simplify bonding for an entire generation of dentists.”
Dr. Suh’s ability to bridge scientific understanding and clinical relevance was a recurring theme among those who worked closely with him.
“What truly set him apart from other leaders in the manufacturing industry was his exceptional knowledge and profound understanding of dental materials and clinical protocols,” said Markus B. Blatz, DMD, PhD. “I personally learned a great deal from him—especially about ceramics—and those lessons continue to guide me to this day. I remain deeply grateful for all he contributed to our profession and for the impact he had on me personally.”
Dr. Suh’s contributions to dentistry were recognized throughout his career. His honors included the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Presidential Award in 2003, the Eugene W. Skinner Award for Innovation in 2006, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Dental Aesthetics in 2022. In 2025, the South Korean government honored him with the Moran Medal in recognition of his contributions to industry and international collaboration.
Colleagues also reflected on the remarkable trajectory of Dr. Suh’s professional life and the lasting influence of the company he built.
“Dr. Byoung In Suh epitomized the classic American success story,” said Gary Alex, DMD, , who wrote the foreword to the second edition of Principles of Adhesion Dentistry. “He came to this country as an immigrant, with next to nothing, and through hard work and sacrifice, created one of the most successful and respected dental companies in the world. He was a brilliant chemist, researcher, product developer, author, lecturer, teacher, motivator, and visionary. His groundbreaking work and innovative product development established him as a global pioneer in adhesive dentistry.”
Franklin Tay, BDSc, PhD, also recalled Dr. Suh’s commitment to advancing dentistry on his own terms. “Dr. Suh inspired me to pursue my PhD in dentin bonding with the late Dr. John Gwinnett, and over the years he became a very dear friend,” Dr. Tay said. “I still remember being with Dr. Steve Armstrong in his hotel room nearly 25 years ago when senior executives from an implant company came to offer to buy BISCO. Dr. Suh politely declined, and after they left he told us that he would not sell it for $100 million. That moment captured who he was: principled, visionary, loyal to his work, and deeply committed to advancing dentistry on his own terms.”
Born in Taegu, South Korea, Dr. Suh pursued studies at Sung Kyun Kwan University in Seoul, San Francisco State University, and Tsurumi University in Japan, where he earned his PhD in Dental Medicine. Before founding BISCO, he worked as a research chemist and later secured more than 20 patents during his career.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Suh remained active in several organizations, including the Chicagoland Korean Rotary Club of Northbrook, the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association, and the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago. According to his obituary, he also loved golf and was especially proud of recording three holes-in-one and shooting his age at 80. Another favorite pastime was sharing ice cream with his grandchildren.
Dr. Suh is survived by his wife, Minsook; daughters Julie, Carolyn, and Colleen; son-in-law Ryan; grandchildren Everett and Alana; and extended family members across the globe.
Although Dr. Suh’s scientific contributions helped shape adhesive dentistry, many who knew him best emphasized that his greatest legacy may have been his generosity as a teacher and mentor.
“I met Dr. Suh at an adhesion symposium in 1990, and he quickly became a mentor, teacher, and close friend,” said Dr. Alex. “I had the honor and privilege of working and researching alongside him on numerous occasions. He made me a better person and a better dentist. I will miss him. The dental profession will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his beautiful family.”
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