Award-Winning Research
AAO is proud to celebrate the best of orthodontics at Annual Session. Each year the AAO offers the following research opportunities presented at Annual Session: Milo Hellman Research Award, Harry Sicher Research Award, and the Thomas M. Graber Awards for Special Merit. Additional opportunities to present include the Dr. William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Award program, an Oral Research presentation, a Table Clinic, or an E-Posters.
Oral Research, Table Clinic, E-Poster
Hellman, Sicher, Graber Awards (COSA)
Dr. William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Award
Named Award Lectures
Lifetime Achievement Award Lecture
The AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research recognizes significant contributions to the science related to the specialty of orthodontics through research and significant contributions of original, outstanding, or innovative discoveries in orthodontic research.
Dr. P. Emile Russouw
Saturday, June 5 | 10:00am-11:00am | Vancouver Convention Centre | Room 202-204
Edward H. Angle Award Lecture
The Edward H. Angle Lecture is designed to feature a specific aspect or issue of current clinical, academic, or research interest that has its roots in the history of orthodontics and significance to the contemporary practice of orthodontics or future direction of the orthodontic specialty. The Edward H. Angle Lecture might feature such diverse topics as ethics, modes of delivery of orthodontic care, diagnosis, treatment, biomaterials, biomechanics, and interrelationships with other organizations and/or specialties, etc. The focus on heritage (i.e., what has been handed down) and its contribution to current practice and future direction should be fundamental.
Dr. Peter Greco
Saturday, June 5 | 11:00am-12:00pm | Vancouver Convention Centre | Room 202-204
John Valentine Mershon Award Lecture
Mrs. Harriet Worrall Mershon, the late wife of Dr. John V. Mershon, professor of orthodontics, University of Pennsylvania, established this lecture. Dr. Mershon was the originator of the removable lingual arch appliances and a pioneer in the application of biological principles in orthodontics.
Winner TBA
Saturday, June 5 | 1:30pm-2:30pm | Vancouver Convention Centre | Room 202-204
Jacob A. Salzmann Award Lecture
The family of Jacob A. Salzmann and his late wife, Leah Wishoff Salzmann, established this lecture in honor of their parents. The AAO President selects the Salzmann Lecturer eighteen months prior to the Annual Session with the approval of the AAOF Board.
Winner TBA
Saturday, June 5 | 2:30pm-3:30pm | Vancouver Convention Centre | Room 202-204
Service Awards
James E. Brophy Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award was established in 1963 and was renamed the James E. Brophy Distinguished Service Award by the House of Delegates in 1986. The award is presented to those who, in the judgment of the Distinguished Service Award Committee, have made contributions to orthodontics in addition to other valuable and dedicated service to the AAO.
Dr. DeWayne McCamish
Humanitarian Award
The Humanitarian Award honoree has rendered outstanding public humanitarian service to improve the quality of human life of those served. The service must be beyond the scope of private practice, academic organization, and the usual function of organized dentistry. The honoree has made significant contributions to such areas as government, community economics, public welfare, or any area which improves the general health or well-being of the community, state, nation or foreign nation and provides leadership and humanitarian volunteer efforts that reflect favorably upon the profession of dentistry.
Dr. Juliana Panchura
Outstanding Contribution Award
The American Association of Orthodontists provides an award to a non-orthodontist, recognizing that person for outstanding service to the specialty of orthodontics.
Dr. Frank Spear
Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research
The AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research recognizes significant contributions to the science related to orthodontics, and original and innovative research.
Dr. P. Emile Russouw
Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award (ABO)
To commemorate Dr. Albert H. Ketcham’s achievements and to serve as an inspiration to the advancement of orthodontics, the American Board of Orthodontics created The Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award in 1936. It is awarded annually to an individual who, in the judgment of the ABO Directors, has made a notable contribution to the science and art of orthodontics.
Dr. Jeryl English
Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teachers and Research Award (AAOF)
The recipient of this award is selected and notified by the AAO Foundation Board of Directors, the award is for significant contribution to orthodontic teaching and research.
Dr. Sarandeep S. Huja
Inclusion and Engagement Award
The recipient of this award is an AAO member whose actions demonstrate dedication to making the AAO stronger by promoting inclusion and engagement.
Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers
Innovation Awards
Ortho Innovator Award
The Ortho Innovator concept is intended to drive the AAO Innovation and Transformation initiative by encouraging and showcasing orthodontic innovations. This virtual contest allows individuals and vendors to participate by submitting videos showcasing their innovations. One winner will be selected by the AAO Committee on Technology to receive complimentary exhibit space at the 2026 Annual Session and a travel stipend.