The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) honored this year's award recipients during its 2004 Annual Session, held in Anaheim, California. The awards were presented by then-President Mahmoud Torabinejad and Dr. Harmon R. Katz, Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee, during the Edgar D. Coolidge Luncheon on Friday, May 7.
The Honors and Awards Committee selects recipients based on nominations received from the AAE membership. "This year our committee received so many nominations that we have two very deserving recipients for the Edward M. Osetek Award," Dr. Katz said. "After carefully reviewing all of the letters of support and various other materials, the committee felt confident that all of these recipients best honor the distinguished individuals after whom our awards are named."
The AAE's highest honor, the Edgar D. Coolidge Award, was presented to Eric J. Hovland, D.D.S., M.Ed., M.B.A., of Destrehan, La. This award is given to an individual who has displayed exemplary dedication to dentistry and to endodontics, and who has been active in the AAE throughout his professional lifetime. Among his many significant achievements, Dr. Hovland is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a professor of endodontics, a renowned author, researcher and international speaker, and a highly effective spokesperson for the endodontic specialty. His dedication and service to the AAE throughout his career has been proven in his activity on various committees, where he worked on strategic planning, international relations and the promotion of evidence-based endodontics, among other issues, as a member of the Board of Directors and as President in 1993-1994. His main focus in all AAE activities has been to ensure that the endodontists of today and tomorrow are prepared to face the challenges of the future. Dr. Hovland has served as the dean of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences School of Dentistry since 1993. He attended the University of Maryland and received his D.D.S. from that institution's Baltimore College of Dentistry in 1972, and his certificate in endodontics from the Medical College of Virginia in 1977. Dr. Hovland continued his education by obtaining a master's degree in adult education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1977, and a master's degree in business administration (health care) from Loyola College, Baltimore in 1980.
The Louis I. Grossman Award recognizes an author for cumulative publication of significant research studies that have made an extraordinary contribution to endodontics. This year's recipient was Larz S.W. Spångberg, D.D.S., Ph.D., of Avon, Conn. During his highly productive career, he has contributed an impressive array of significant publications in endodontics, including more than 140 original full research papers, overview articles and book chapters published since 1966. His pioneering work includes developing the chromium release technique for the testing of cytotoxicity, which is still used today and is part of the ADA ANSI Document 41 "Biological Testing of Dental Materials." Dr. Spångberg is head of the department of endodontology at the University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine. He received his D.D.S. from the Royal Dental School Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden in 1962, and his Ph.D. in odontology from the University of Umeå in 1969.
The I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award is given to acknowledge an AAE member who has demonstrated his status as an outstanding full-time educator and mentor for at least 15 years by earning the esteem and respect of his colleagues and students, by the quality of former students and their impact on endodontics, and by earning a national reputation as an outstanding contributor to the art and science of endodontics as evidenced by invited presentations, the extent of scholarly research and continuing education involvement. This year's recipient is Leif K. Bakland, D.D.S., of Loma Linda, Calif. He is the author of more than 70 articles and abstracts, and two textbooks, including the popular Endodontics as a co-author, and has presented more than 220 lectures and clinics worldwide. Dr. Bakland's service to the profession has included positions on the AAE and ABE boards. He received his Board certification from the American Board of Endodontics in 1981 and continues to promote Board certification through coordinating Board preparation courses at Loma Linda and personally mentoring a number of candidates. Dr. Bakland has spent the majority of his educational career at Loma Linda University where he is now an associate dean for advanced education and chair of the department of endodontics. He received his D.D.S. from Loma Linda in 1963, and his certificate in endodontics from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1973.
The recipient of the Edward M. Osetek Educator Award must be teaching for less than six years, but within that time, must have earned the esteem and respect of students and faculty associates, received invitations to present endodontic lectures, seminars and workshops at other educational or research institutions, and must have had an impact on former students by the quality of their impact on endodontics. This year, the award was given to two recipients, Stephen J. Clark, D.M.D., of Louisville, Ky., and Karl Keiser, D.D.S., M.S., of Boerne, Texas. Dr. Clark entered full-time endodontic education in 1998 at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry after maintaining a full-time endodontic practice for 23 years . His teaching career began in 1975 as a part-time clinical instructor during his early years of practice. He has been director of the pre-doctoral endodontic program at U of L and is currently an Associate Professor and director of the post-graduate endodontic program. Dr. Clark received his D.M.D. in 1972 and his certificate in endodontics in 1975 from the University of Kentucky. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics in 2001.
Dr. Keiser has been an associate professor in the department of endodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio since 2000, and has served as the director of the graduate endodontic program since 2002. His previous position was director, division of endodontics at the University of Tennessee from 1997-2000. His dedication to education and service is evident in his many committee appointments, including several AAE committees and chairing the endodontic section of the American Dental Education Association. He is the recipient of the 2004 Charles Craig Teaching Award from the Omikron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society Supreme Chapter. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, Dr. Keiser received his D.D.S. from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1981, his certificate of endodontics in 1995, and M.S. in 1996 from the University of Michigan. He actively participates in research on the trigeminal pain system, and has lectured at AAE annual sessions on such diverse topics as: the use of the surgical operating microscope; molecular mechanisms of tooth root resorption; mechanisms and management of local anesthetic failures; and new developments in pain control. He also maintains a private practice limited to endodontics.
Honorary Membership recognizes individuals who are not eligible for Active membership in the AAE but have significantly contributed to the advancement of endodontics. This year's recipient was Ivar A. Mjör, B.D.S., M.S.D., M.S., of Gainesville, Fla., who was recognized for his significant contributions to endodontic science and education as a teacher, researcher, international lecturer and leader. Dr. Mjör's expertise on the biological properties of dental materials has led to the publication of more than 300 articles, abstracts and books, significant contributions to six textbooks, dozens of honors and awards, as well as leadership positions with numerous dental and governmental organizations, including the International Association of Dental Research Board and the National Institute of Dental Research/National Institutes of Health Pulp Biology Group. Dr. Mjör received his B.D.S. from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland in 1957, M.S.D. in pedodontics and M.S. in anatomy from the University of Alabama in 1960 and 1961, respectively, and is currently a member of the faculty of the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, was founded in 1943 and represents more than 6,500 members worldwide. It is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.
