Five orthodontic leaders were recognized with the ABO’s top awards for their lifelong dedication to advancing the specialty through clinical care, education, and organizational service.

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) recognized five professionals for advancing orthodontic science, education, and service during the 2025 AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia.

Recognition of Excellence in Orthodontics

The ABO’s highest honor, the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award, was presented to David McKendree Sarver, DMD, MS, of Birmingham, Ala. Sarver, recognized for his notable contributions to orthodontics, serves as adjunct professor of orthodontics at both the University of North Carolina and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is in his 33rd year on faculty and previously directed surgical-orthodontic programs at UAB School of Dentistry.

Dale B. Wade Award Recipients

Two orthodontists were honored with the 2025 Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics.

  • Larry P. Tadlock, DDS, MS, of Ft. Worth, Tex, was recognized for his dedication to clinical excellence and teaching. Tadlock serves as head of the orthodontic department at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry and has over 30 years of private practice experience.
  • Scott Allan Jamieson, DDS, MS, of Marquette, Mich, was also honored for his contributions as a clinician and educator. Jamieson is an adjunct assistant clinical professor at Marquette University and a long-time ABO leader, including service as ABO president from 2012 to 2013.

READ MORE: Understanding the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics

Service and Special Recognition Awards

The 2025 Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award was presented to Melissa Brydels of St. Louis, Mo, for her outstanding service as the ABO’s marketing and events manager from 2009 until her retirement in 2024.

The 2025 O.B. Vaughan Special Recognition Award was given to James Pressly Henderson, PhD, of Raleigh, NC, for his contributions to orthodontic education and credentialing. Henderson, a senior psychometrician at Credentialing Examination Consulting LLC, has supported numerous credentialing organizations since 2020.

“These exceptional professionals have made countless and valuable contributions to the field of orthodontics and to the success of the ABO for many years,” said Carole Newport, MA, ABO CEO. “We are grateful for their tireless service to this important field.”

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