Dr David L. Turpin, former editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, died May 29 at age 87, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
David L. Turpin, DDS, MSD, longtime editor of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO), died May 29 in Tacoma, Wash, at age 87, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) announced. Turpin served as AJO-DO editor-in-chief from 1999 to 2010 and again as interim editor in 2013-14, earning the title of editor emeritus upon his 2014 retirement. He was an ex-officio member of the AAO Board of Trustees during his editorial tenure.
Turpin earned his dental degree at the University of Iowa, served in the U.S. Navy, and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Washington. He practiced privately in Auburn, Wash, for more than 37 years and taught on the University of Washington orthodontic faculty for nearly four decades, holding the Moore/Riedel Professorship from 2010 to 2019.
His professional honors include the AAO James E. Brophy Distinguished Service Award (2007), the American Board of Orthodontics Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award (2015), and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Lifetime Achievement Award (2011). Turpin also edited The Angle Orthodontist and the PCSO Bulletin, published 34 scientific papers and 135 AJO-DO editorials, and delivered 155 lectures worldwide.
In 2024 the World Federation of Orthodontists created a lecture in Turpin’s name, scheduled to debut at the 10th International Orthodontic Congress in Rio de Janeiro in 2025.
Turpin is survived by his wife, Judy, three children, and several grandchildren. A memorial service is set for July 12 at 2 p.m. at Wayside United Church of Christ in Federal Way, Wash. The family requests donations to the Turpin-Huang Endowed Program Support Fund in Orthodontics at the University of Washington.
