Dr. Alpert was born in Southern California and grew up in Lake Placid, New York. He received his A.B. from University College of New York University in 1963 and is a 1967 graduate of the School of Dental & Oral Surgery, Columbia University. He did his residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center – Queens Hospital Center. Following training, he served in the U. S. Army Dental Corps at both the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Korea and Womack Army Hospital at Ft. Bragg, N.C.

He began his academic career at the University of Illinois as Assistant Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. In 1973, he joined the faculty at the University of Louisville as Associate Professor and Director of the Advanced Training Program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. He was then the youngest oral and maxillofacial surgery program director in the country. He was promoted to Professor in 1978 and became Chairman of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in the School of Dentistry and Chief at University Hospital in 1987. Not solely an “academic,” he always maintained an active, full-scope private practice.

He was a Diplomate, Fellow or member of virtually all U.S. professional organizations pertaining to his specialty or dental education and held leadership positions in most. Dr. Alpert received the Harrigan Award, the Iula Award, and the Osbon Award. He was named the AONA Craniomaxillofacial Educator of the year in 2004 and the SSOMS Distinguished Educator in 2005. In 2008, he received the ADEA Presidential Citation. He authored over 70 scientific publications and has lectured throughout the world on topics including craniomaxillofacial trauma, craniofacial and dentofacial deformity correction, management of odontogenic tumors, maxillofacial reconstruction, dental anesthesiology, implantology and OMS education.

Starting in 1985, Dr. Alpert was active in the AO/ASIF, an international research and educational organization committed to advancing the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, disease and deformities. He served in several leadership positions both with AO North America and the AO Foundation representing Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, including a six-year term on the Academic Council. Since 1987, he participated as faculty in 94 AO CMF courses of all varieties and in all regions. He was honored by being elected an Honorary Trustee of the AO Foundation.

Dr. Alpert passed away in August 2021. Although he considered Dr. Fiedler to be the "father" of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency, Dr. Alpert will be remembered by many as the person who made the residency program what it is today. From all who were blessed to have known him, worked with him, and learned from him, thank you to "the Boss."