Dr. Cherrick served as dean of the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry and Alton-based Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He also served as dean of Omaha-based University of Nebraska Medical Center, according to a Jan. 31 news release.
During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Dr. Cherrick realized dentists could play a key role in AIDS diagnosis after observing soft-tissue lesions in the mouths of patients who were HIV-positive. He advocated for a federal program to support dental care for these patients, now known as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part F Dental Reimbursement Program.
Dr. Cherrick authored more than 45 articles, conducting research on surgical management of pathological processes, oral pathology and bone transplantation.