Several endodontists receive top honors

Pisano served as president of the AAE, the Illinois Association of Endodontics, the Northwest Suburban Branch to the Chicago Dental Society and the Arcolian Dental Arts Society. In addition he has also served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer for the Edgar D. Coolidge Endodontic Study Club. Pisano continues to help establish the endodontic specialty as a premier field in dentistry and is a strong ambassador for the AAE Foundation, where he has served as both a Trustee and an officer. In addition to practicing endodontics for more than 30 years in a private practice, he believes in educating future leaders and worked as a clinical associate professor in the graduate department of endodontics at his alma mater, Loyola University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Ronald I. Deblinger received the President’s Award, which has been bestowed only eight times in the award’s history. It is reserved for the rare member who has uniquely participated in the AAE by working behind the scenes. Deblinger maintains a private practice in Clifton, N.J., and is currently the chairman of the Board of Directors of Delta Dental of New Jersey. He served as president of his local dental society, local study club and state endodontic association. Over the years, Deblinger has demonstrated passion, dedication and committed an abundant amount of time to the advancement of the AAE and dentistry. He served on the AAE Board of Directors from 1988 to 1992, contributed his talents on the Annual Session Site Selection Committee, Continuing Education Committee and Membership Services Committee, and most recently completed a three-year term on the Journal of Endodontics Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Ove A. Peters received the Louis I. Grossman Award, presented to an author for cumulative publication of significant research studies that have made an extraordinary contribution to endodontology. Peters, a professor and co-chair in the department of endodontics at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, is the author of more than 100 scientific papers and abstracts. He received his certificate in endodontics at the University of Zurich Dental School in 2001 and earned another certificate in endodontics as well as an MS in oral and craniofacial sciences from University of California San Francisco, School of Dentistry. Peters has contributed to multiple textbooks and given presentations all over the world. He sits on the editorial review boards of multiple journals and is associate editor for the International Endodontic Journal and Endodontic Topics. Peters released early research on the behavior and performance of nickel-titanium rotary instruments measured by micro-computed tomography and projects that use torque-testing devices to measure stress fracture rotary instruments. He is a huge contributor to the advancement of endodontics and is internationally recognized as a distinguished researcher and educator.

Dr. Richard E. Walton received the I. B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award, given to a full-time educator of at least 15 years. Walton has dedicated his life to education and participates in multiples committees to further enhance the curriculum in endodontics. After receiving his certificate in endodontics in 1969 from the University of Illinois, Walton stayed there to begin his career in education as an instructor in the department of histology. By 1974 he was the director of the postgraduate program in endodontics at the Medical College of Georgia and became chair of the program in 1976. Walton later moved to the University of Iowa, where he was professor and chairman of the department of endodontics for 13 years. He has contributed to numerous textbooks, co-written Endodontics: Principles and Practice, published countless journal articles, and mentored undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students.

Dr. George A. Bruder III was honored with the Edward M. Osetek Educator Award, which is presented to a full-time educator with less than 10 years of teaching experience, who has earned the esteem and respect of students and faculty associates. After receiving his certificate in endodontics in 1998 from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, Bruder became a clinical instructor in the department of restorative dentistry and biomaterials sciences at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Shortly after, he was director of endodontics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In 2006 he went back to his alma mater as assistant professor at SBSDM and became the school’s director of endodontics, the director of advanced education program in endodontics and in 2007, the assistant dean for information technologies.

Dr. John W. Gillan received the Spirit of Service Lifetime Award for his amazing impact to dental communities in Third World countries. Gillan selflessly and quietly devotes much of his time to others. While working in a private practice for more than 30 years in Mesa, Ariz., Gillan has pursued a passion for helping others. Since 1994, he has traveled annually to teach endodontics with the Albanian Health Fund, a faith-based medical-dental team in Tirana, Albania. While there, he brings his own supplies, including books to share with the teachers, and has treated patients and educated students to help improve Albania’s dental care. To express his gratefulness, the president of Albania awarded Gillan with a Medal of Gratitude for his contributions to the education of Albanian dental students in 2009. In addition to his work in Albania, Gillan has also worked in Cameroon as part of the medical-dental-surgical team for Health Teams International and has participated in dental mission trips to Romania and Kosovo. His dedication to service in the course of his professional career is truly inspiring and an example for all endodontists to follow.

A record-breaking event

The AAE had a record-breaking Annual Session this year at the Hynes Convention Center. In addition to having the largest exhibit hall to date, with more than 100 major dental and medical suppliers, the Boston meeting had the highest ever attendance with more than 4,000 attendees from 54 counties.

Attendees had the choice between 285 hours of continuing education. Courses covered everything from practice management to the latest technologies in the field. They networked with old and new friends, watched live surgeries from the best in the field and learned new techniques, allowing them to treat their patients with the highest level of care.

“The fantastic planning and high level of attendee involvement contributed to this year’s Annual Session being the most successful one yet,” said AAE President Dr. James C. Kulild. “The CE choices were stellar, and the networking events and camaraderie, combined with the local flavor of Boston, came together in a complete package that made this year’s Annual Session a fantastic opportunity.”

Next year’s Annual Session will take place in Honolulu, April 17 through 20. Information about the meeting will be posted later in the year at www.aae.org/annualsession, but those who have questions in the meantime can contact the meetings department at meetings@aae.org.

Headquartered in Chicago, the AAE represents more than 7,500 members worldwide. The AAE, founded in 1943, 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.

(Source: AAE)