Summary: The AAO Annual Session, held from May 3-6 in New Orleans, highlighted the importance of innovation, research, and service in advancing orthodontic practice. The event honored several key contributors for their exceptional work.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AAO Annual Session celebrated exceptional contributions to the field of orthodontics, highlighting significant achievements within the profession.
  • The recognition of diverse areas of excellence, such as humanitarian efforts, service, research, ethics, and practice management, reflects the comprehensive nature of contributions within the orthodontic community.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) concluded its Annual Session, highlighting contributions to the field of orthodontics through several awards.

Significance and Highlights

“The Annual Session serves as a cornerstone event for our community, providing a platform for orthodontists to exchange insights, deepen their knowledge, and recognize the outstanding achievements within our profession,” said John Callahan, DDS, MS, president of the AAO. “This year’s gathering has been particularly inspiring, as we continue to push the boundaries of orthodontic excellence.”

Among the highlights of the Annual Session, the AAO, the American Board of Orthodontics, and the AAO Foundation presented their highest-level awards:

Award Recipients

AAO Humanitarian Award

Cheryl Cermin, DDS, was honored with the AAO Humanitarian Award for her extensive volunteer work in various countries, including the Dominican Republic, Belize, India, Croatia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Ukraine. She collaborates with local hospitals and professionals to care for infants and children with craniofacial conditions.

James E. Brophy AAO Distinguished Service Award

Lili Horton, DMD, received the James E. Brophy AAO Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Horton has recently begun her term as president of the AAO Foundation and is a past chair of the AAO Committee on Conferences and Meetings (CCon). She has also served as president of several orthodontic organizations, including the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists.

AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research

Birte Melsen, DDS, MS, was recognized with the AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research. She is celebrated for her groundbreaking research on adult orthodontic treatment, bone biology, and the analysis of forces on bone and bone reaction to mechanical stimuli. Melsen has authored more than 380 publications on growth and development and other topics.

American Board of Orthodontics Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award

Peter Greco, DMD, was honored with the American Board of Orthodontics Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award. A clinical professor in the Penn Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Greco is a past president of the American Board of Orthodontics and is internationally known for his contributions to ethics in orthodontics, particularly through his monthly column in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO).

AAOF Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teaching & Research Award

Mark Hans, DDS, MSD, received the AAOF Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teaching & Research Award. He is the co-author of “Essentials of Facial Growth,” chairman of the Case Western Orthodontic Department, and director of Case’s Bolton-Brush Growth Study Center. Hans is also one of the creators of the AAOF Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection.

AAO Outstanding Contribution Award

Mary Beth Kirkpatrick was honored with the AAO Outstanding Contribution Award for her work in founding Gaidge, a business analytics provider. With over 30 years of experience, Kirkpatrick has dedicated her career to making practice data meaningful and actionable for orthodontists.