CHICAGO — The American Association of Endodontists honored this year’s award recipients during its 2007 Annual Session, held in Philadelphia, Pa. The awards were presented by outgoing President John S. Olmsted and Dr. Eva Dahl, chair of the Honors and Awards Committee, during the Edgar D. Coolidge Luncheon on Saturday, April 28.
The Honors and Awards Committee selects recipients based on nominations received from the AAE membership. “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,” Dr. Dahl said.
The AAE’s highest honor, the Edgar D. Coolidge 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. This year, it was presented to Stephen F. Schwartz, D.D.S., M.S., of Houston, Texas. Dr. Schwartz has been an active participant in organized dentistry for nearly 40 years, notably serving as president of the AAE in 1984. His focus encouraged the Association to broaden its own public service programs and identify future leaders in dentistry to ensure that his vision of service could continue to flourish in the profession.
Having joined the AAE in 1968, Dr. Schwartz’s volunteerism and leadership extends beyond the Association. He has left a positive imprint in numerous organizations, serving as president of the Texas Dental Association, the Texas State Association of Endodontists and Houston Academy of Endodontists. He currently serves at the national level as the first vice president of the American Dental Association.
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 Kenneth M. Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D. of San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Hargreaves’ work in neurophysiology and pharmacology has changed the way patient care is administered. With more than 200 published works since 1987, he has become a worldwide authority on these topics, lecturing regularly across the globe.
Dr. Hargreaves also was recognized for his sizable work as editor of the Journal of Endodontics. First appointed editor in 2003, his steady hand and eye for innovation has elevated the publication to an internationally renowned resource for the latest in cutting-edge endodontic research.
The I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award is given to acknowledge an AAE member who has demonstrated their 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 was Nijole A. Remeikis, D.D.S. of Palos Hills, Ill.
By faithfully serving the University of Illinois at Chicago in various endodontic teaching capacities for 45 years, Dr. Remeikis provided the guiding hand and passionate demeanor that influenced several generations of endodontists. Testimonials from her former students illustrate an educator who not only was a pioneer as one of the first female endodontic educators and the first female certified by the American Board of Endodontics, but of a caring friend and mentor. Her extensive published work is matched by her speaking engagements, both in the United States and abroad, particularly in her home country of Lithuania.
The recipient of the Edward M. Osetek Educator Award must be teaching for less than six years, but within that time, 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’s recipient was Jarshen Lin, D.D.S., of Boston, Mass.
Dr. Lin began his teaching career at Harvard University in 1998, following appointments with the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He currently is the director of predoctoral endodontics at Harvard. His infectious enthusiasm for the specialty has given students unsurpassed mentorship, as they have an instructor who is willing to work with them during weekends and is available regularly beyond the classroom setting.
This year also marked the introduction of the AAE’s “Spirit of Service” awards. The awards are bestowed upon two endodontists in recognition for their overall service to the dental community. The recipients are chosen on the basis of time and expertise devoted to creating effective partnerships, positively affecting dental organizations or helping undeserved populations for the benefit of the endodontic specialty. Nominations for these awards will be solicited annually as a tribute to the importance of this core value to the AAE membership.
The first honoree of the New Practitioner Spirit of Service Award was Jessica L. Barr, D.D.S., M.S., of Asheville, N.C. Dr. Barr has been an active participant within the AAE since her postdoctoral studies at Boston University. As a co-founder of the Advanced Programs in Clinical Endodontics Symposium (APICES), she helped to create an avenue for endodontic residents to pursue professional enrichment outside the classroom. Since her graduation, she has continued to serve the specialty admirably, notably as the chair of the Resident and New Practitioner Committee and a member of the 2007 Annual Session Planning Committee.
This year’s recipient of the Lifetime Volunteer Spirit of Service Award was George T. Goodis, D.D.S., M.S., of Grosse Pointe, Mich. Throughout his career, Dr. Goodis has been a positive force in his native state of Michigan, serving as president of the Michigan Association of Endodontists as well as the Michigan Dental Association. He was a member of the state board of dentistry, was recognized by the governor of Michigan for his volunteerism and served as an advisor to the dental insurance industry. He shaped the careers of future endodontists at the University of Detroit Mercy in his role as adjunct associate professor and saved teeth pro bono through the “Give Kids a Smile” and “Donated Dental Services” programs.
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The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 6,900 members worldwide, including approximately 95 percent of all eligible endodontists in the United States. The Association, 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.