$10 million naming gift from Bitonte family launches new dental college
The vision and generosity of the Dr. Dominic A. and Helen M. Bitonte Family Foundation have transformed higher education in Ohio once again, this time through a $10 million gift that established the new Bitonte College of Dentistry at Northeast Ohio Medical University.
The college welcomed its inaugural class of 52 students this month, celebrating with a white coat ceremony on August 22 that marked both the students’ entry into dentistry and the continuation of the Bitonte family’s deep philanthropic legacy.
The Bitontes’ story is one of long-standing dedication to education and health care. Dr. Dominic A. Bitonte, a 1947 graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, practiced dentistry in Youngstown for decades while serving on state dental boards and professional societies.
He and his wife, Helen, carried forward the values instilled by their immigrant families—faith, hard work, and a commitment to giving back—by establishing scholarships, funding loan programs, and investing in institutions across Ohio.
Their philanthropy has touched Ohio State, Youngstown State University, and numerous cultural and religious organizations, always with a focus on access to education and health care.
In recognition of his leadership and service, Dr. Bitonte was honored with the Ohio Dental Association’s Achievement Award in 2012.
Today, their sons, Drs. Gary and David Bitonte, continue this mission as directors of the family foundation while also teaching at NEOMED.
Gary serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Anatomy, while David, a family physician, contributes as a Clinical Assistant Professor and member of admissions committees.
Their commitment ensures that the foundation is not only a financial benefactor but also a living presence in the university community.
The Bitonte College of Dentistry, made possible by their historic gift, is only the fourth college at NEOMED and one of the few dental schools in the state.
Its creation comes at a critical moment, as nearly 60 percent of Ohio’s dentists approach retirement and the state projects a need for at least 600 new practitioners by the end of this year.
Students will be trained in newly developed on-campus clinics and will also serve in rural and underserved communities across Ohio.
NEOMED President Dr. John Langell called the gift transformative, noting that the Bitontes’ generosity and the state’s support made it possible to launch the college and provide dental care to communities that need it most. At the opening ceremony, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel urged the first class to “stay in Ohio” after graduation to meet the state’s pressing needs.
For the Bitonte family, the new college is not just another act of philanthropy but a continuation of a tradition begun decades ago. From endowing Youngstown State’s College of Health and Human Services to helping fund new facilities at Ohio State’s College of Dentistry, their impact has been steady and profound.
Now, with the creation of the Bitonte College of Dentistry, their name and legacy are tied to the next generation of dental professionals who will carry their values of service, excellence, and community care into the future.