Dental News - AAID recognizes outstanding dentists at its annual conference

Sierra Rendon / DTA

Thu. 2 November 2017

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The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) recognized four dentists with the highest awards given by the academy during its recently concluded 66th Annual Conference. Named the recipient of the Aaron Gershkoff/Norman Goldberg Memorial Award was Alfred “Duke” Heller, DDS, MS, FAAID, DABOI/ID. The award is named after the first two presidents of the academy and recognizes outstanding contribution to AAID and the field of implant dentistry.

Heller, of Lewis Center, Ohio, is the founder of the Midwest Implant Institute (MII) that has trained thousands of dentists in one-on-one surgical experience since 1980. Heller is board certified in oral implantology by the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID), having also served as its president. Heller practiced dentistry for 51 years, of which 23 years were with his son, Dr. Robert Heller, a prosthodontist, who helped in training the dentists going through the MII Externship Program.

The 2017 recipient of the Isaih Lew Memorial Research Award is Salah Huwais, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID. This prestigious award is presented by the AAID Foundation to an individual who has contributed significantly to research in implant dentistry. Huwais is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a diplomate of the ABOI/ID. Huwais has been published in several peer reviewed publications and has been awarded a U.S. Patent for fluted osteotome and surgical method for use. His research on ossseodensification has made a significant impact on the practice of implant dentistry. Huwais maintains a private practice in Jackson, Mich.

Hamilton Sporborg, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, of Chatham, Mass., has been named the recipient of the 2017 Paul Johnson Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding service to AAID as exemplified by the late Dr. Paul Johnson, a past president and active volunteer for the AAID. Sporborg is an honored fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a diplomate of the ABOI/ID, as well as a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. As a member of the AAID Foundation Board he contributes greatly — of time and money — to help the AAID Foundation become one of the major sources funds for implant research projects around the world. He consistently and promptly reviews grant applications. Sporborg has served effectively on the Admissions and Credentials Board as well as an examiner for the Oral Case/Part 2 examinations. He has served as a member of the Honored Fellows Committee for several years.

Mahesh Verma, MDS, MBA, PhD, of India has been chosen to receive the International Dentist of the Year Award. This award has only been given twice before. Previous recipients were Dr. Manuel Chanavaz of France and Dr. Shankar Iyer of the United States. It is given to an AAID member who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the AAID by way of growth in membership internationally and scholarly activities. Verma is the director and principal of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (M.A.I.D.S), named as the best dental college among the 325 dental schools in India by collegedunia.com and careerindia.com. He attended the 2nd Annual MaxiCourse presented in India and went on to co-sponsor the AAID India MaxiCourse in New Delhi through his institution. He is the recipient of several international awards, including the highest civilian award in India (Padma Shree).

AAID Membership Manager Nicole Basso displays an item from the AAID-branded scrubs collection that’s for sale in the AAID booth.

The Dental Implant Technologies booth.

In the DoWell Dental Products booth, Terry Cha displays the Zirconia Sinus Drill Kit.

In the Glidewell Dental booth, Dr. Jack Hahn, seated, with Dr. Neil Park and Jennifer Archer.

Dr. Nelson Pinto of Concepcion, Chile, left, and AAID Fellow Dr. Robert Miller of Delray Beach, Fla.

In the KaVo booth, Barrett Crone displays the company’s latest imaging system, the Orthopantomorgraph OP 3D.

James Scyoc helps Dr. Chan Teng Ye of Malaysia in the Meisinger booth.

Wednesday evening’s Welcome Reception Celebration on the Promenade provides attendees with a colorful sunset and a relaxed atmosphere to meet and mingle.

Brandi Ratliff of X-Nav Technologies guides AAID Associate Fellow Dr. Ninette Branday of the United Arab Emirates in the use of the X-Guide by X-Nav Technologies.

Mike Foley, president the U.S. division of Zeramex, describes the metal-free, all-ceramic implant system to attendees.

Established in 1951, the AAID is the only dental implant organization that offers credentials recognized by federal and state courts as bona fide. Its membership, which exceeds 6,000, includes general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists and prosthodontists from across the United States and in 40 other countries.

More information about the AAID and its credentialed members is available online, at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s website, www.aaid.com, or by calling the AAID at (312) 335-1550 or (877) 335-AAID (2243).