Prof. Clark Stanford graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology (1984), D.D.S (1987), Ph.D. in Biology, and a Certificate in Prosthodontics (1992) - all from the University of Iowa. While working toward his degrees, he studied in the lab of his mentor, Michael Solursh, for both his B.S (1981-1983) and Ph.D. (1987-1992). Prof. Stanford is also the Dean of the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Stanford was previously the Associate Dean for Research, Centennial Fund Professor, and Director of Clinical Research in the College of Dentistry at the UI. He also held secondary appointments in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation (College of Medicine) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering (College of Engineering) at the UI.

His expertise area is implant dentistry with his main clinical research interests in implants, implant biomaterials, and dental materials. He is also interested in bone biology including biologically-mediated bone mineralization (implants), bone metabolism, osteoblasts, and isolating and characterizing human osteogenic cells. In 2006, he received the Board of Regents Award for Faculty Excellence, and in 2007, the Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Association for Dental Research. Prof. Stanford serves on the committees of several professional organizations including the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and), and is a member of many others.