Recognition Awards

Each year, the AAPD and Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children recognize those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of children's oral health by presenting awards to them at the Annual Session. Recipients will be announced and honored with a plaque at the Presidents' Farewell Dinner at the 62nd Annual Session, Sunday, May 24, 2009, in Honolulu, Hawaii. These awards are described below.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is the most prestigious award given by the AAPD. Presented only when the AAPD Board of Trustees identifies a truly worthy recipient, the award recognizes individuals who have made a major contribution, on a national or international level over their entire career, to advocacy for children, improvement of children's health or to a health profession related to children. The Miller Foundation supports this award.

Past Recipients

1983Marion Wright Edelman
1985Dr. John S. Walsh
1992Dr. Daniel F. Whiteside
1994Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr.
1995Dr. Morris Green
1996Dr. David C. Johnsen
1998Dr. H. Raymond Klein
1999Dr. Jerome B. Miller
2000Ms. Ann Page Griffen
2001Dr. Arthur J. Nowak
2002Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo
2003Dr. Jasper L. Lewis
2004Dr. John A. Bogert
2007Dr. David K. Curtis
2008Dr. Jim Crall


Pediatric Dentist of the Year Award

Established in 1998, this annual award honors a pediatric dentist who has made significant contributions to the dental profession and the specialty of pediatric dentistry through clinical practice, academics or policy development over the past year. Recipients will also have devoted extensive volunteer leadership service to the dental profession and the specialty. Current board of trustee members are ineligible to receive this award in the years in which they serve as trustees. The recipient is selected by the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children Executive Committee from nominees proposed by the membership. NuSmile Primary Crowns sponsors this award.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2009 award, which are due January 5, 2009.

Past Recipients

1998Dr. Burton L. Edelstein
1999Dr. William F. Vann, Jr.
2000Dr. Charles Poland, III
2001Dr. N. Sue Seale
2002Dr. Steven P. Perlman
2003Dr. Kevin J. Donly
2004Dr. Paul A. Kennedy, Jr. and Dr. Jerome B. Miller
2005Dr. James J. Crall
2006Dr. Neva Penton Eklund
2007Dr. Stephen Wilson
2008Dr. Jenny Stigers


Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award

Established in 1998, this annual award honors the memory of Ms. Merle C. Hunter, AAPD executive director from 1968-1986, and is presented to an AAPD volunteer who has provided exemplary leadership service in the volunteer structure of the organization over the past year. The recipient is selected by the AAPD Executive Committee from nominees proposed by the membership. Kinder Krowns sponsors this award.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2009 award, which are due January 5, 2009.

Past Recipients

1998Dr. William D. Berlocher
1999Dr. Keith R. Morley
2000Dr. Paul A. Reggiardo
2001Dr. Joseph C. Creech, Jr.
2002Dr. N. Sue Seale
2003Dr. Edward H. Moody, Jr.
2004Dr. Jenny Ison Stigers
2005Dr. A. Charles Post
2006Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo
2007Dr. Kevin J. Donly
2008Dr. Rick Chaet


Manuel M. Album Award

Established in 1997, this award is presented annually to the individual or organization that has made the greatest contribution to the oral health of children with special needs. The award honors AAPD member Manuel M. Album, who devoted an entire career in pediatric dentistry toward improving the oral health of children with special needs. The recipient is selected by the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children Executive Committee from nominees proposed by the membership. The Album Society supports this award.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2008 award, which are due January 31, 2008.

Past Recipients

1997Dr. Robert S. Runzo
1998Dr. Stephen P. Perlman
1999Academy of Dentistry for Persons With Disabilities
2000Dr. Norman Levine
2001Dr. F. Thomas McIver
2002Dr. Sanford J. Fenton
2003Dr. Burton L. Nussbaum
2004Dr. Fred S. Ferguson
2005Dr. Theodore C. Levitas
2006Dr. Arthur J. Nowak
2007Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo
2007Dr. Lew Kay

Jerome B. Miller "For the Kids" Award

The Jerome B. Miller "For the Kids" Award was established in May 2007 by Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children: The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to honor the lifetime work of former AAPD and HSHC President Dr. Jerome B. Miller for his many years of service to children, philanthropy, and giving back to the profession of pediatric dentistry. The For the Kids Award is generously sponsored by Procter & Gamble/Crest/Oral-B.

One award is presented annually to an up-and-coming clinician, researcher or academician in pediatric dentistry for their outstanding efforts directed to children's oral health and welfare. The recipient receives a $1,000 cash award and plaque at the AAPD Annual Session President's Farewell Dinner on Sunday, May 24, 2009. The recipient is selected by the HSHC Executive Committee, assisted by Dr. Jerome Miller and award initiator Dr. Neal R. Benham.

Individuals applying or being nominated for this award must: 1) be 45 years of age or younger; 2) be a current member of the AAPD; 3) possess experience in domestic or international community or humanitarian service; 4) serve or have served in a local, state, or national dental association; and 5) considered a "rising star" with leadership potential in AAPD and HSHC.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2009 award, which are due January 5, 2009.

Past Recipient

2008Dr. Jessica Lee


To nominate a colleague for the Pediatric Dentist of the Year Award, the Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award, Manuel M. Album Award or Jerome B. Miller For the Kids Award, please submit a letter of nomination and a copy of the nominee's curriculum vitae via email to hshc@aapd.org or by mail: Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children Recognition Awards 211 E. Chicago Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60611-2663