Ardmore-Based Doctor, Penn Professor Passes Away At 87

Obituary as originally published on Philly.com:

Dr. Arthur B. Hattler, 87, of Wynnewood, a retired periodontist and assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, died Saturday, Oct. 17, of heart failure at Lankenau Hospital.

When Dr. Hattler hung out his shingle in 1957, the field of periodontal services was virtually unknown. Patients just took it for granted that gum problems would lead to extractions.

“They soon learned that teeth thought to be hopeless could be saved with the care that Dr. Hattler provided,” his family said in a statement. “He was a pioneer of sorts.”

He developed a grateful following that trooped to his offices in Bryn Mawr and Suburban Square, Ardmore.

“If it ever could be said that a person would enjoy going to the dentist, this was true of Dr. Hattler’s patients,” his family said. He was warm, friendly, and liked to joke with patients before treating them.

He retired from private practice in 2002.

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Hattler grew up in South Jersey. He graduated from Audubon High School in 1946 and Ursinus College three years later. He earned a dental degree from Penn in 1955 and underwent advanced training in periodontology at Penn and Beth Israel Hospital in Boston.

While there, he met Ruth Goldberg, a student lab technician. The two married in 1957.

Also an educator, Dr. Hattler taught at Penn’s dental school from 1957 to 1991, rising from instructor to assistant professor of dentistry. In retirement, he served as an associate clinical professor of periodontology.

Dr. Hattler held leadership roles with dental societies at the local and national level. Among his many accolades was the 1985 Alumni Award of Merit from Penn’s dental school. He conducted research with the goal of developing ways to build up tissue after a patient’s gums had receded.

Outside the office, Dr. Hattler enjoyed art - he completed the Barnes Foundation’s art appreciation course. He loved opera music so much that he played a non-singing role in a production of the Pennsylvania Opera Theater before that company closed in 1993. He also volunteered at the Kimmel Center, the Philadelphia Flower Show, and for local tennis tournaments.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Edward and Eric; a daughter, Wendy Dessy; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were Monday, Oct. 19.

Contributions may be made to the Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.