William O. Kuykendall, DDS, a 1984 graduate of the UCSF School of Dentistry, passed away Aug. 13 in Fair Oaks, Calif. He was 60.
Dr. Kuykendall, a native of San Diego, also earned a bachelor’s degree in dental materials from UCSF. During his student years, he was active in the campus chapter of the Student National Dental Association, holding several positions, including president. Popular among his classmates, he was affectionately known as “William the Likeable.”
A significant part of Dr. Kuykendall’s career was spent within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Health Care Services. There he established the Inmate Dental Services program, became the statewide dental director, and ultimately was chief dentist of training. In July of this year, the San Quentin State Prison dental clinics were renamed in Dr. Kuykendall’s honor. His accomplishments also include serving as an expert examiner for the Dental Board of California, and working for Job Corps.
Dr. Kuykendall is survived by his wife, Yulanda; daughter Nichole Kuykendall; son Jon Paul Kuykendall; stepson Nathaniel Allen III; and many additional relatives. Services were Aug. 19 at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks.