Congratulations to the 2017 Award Recipients

The AAE proudly announces the 2017 recipients of the organization’s highest honors and awards, to be presented at AAE17. These five AAE members represent the specialty’s greatest achievements in leadership, research, education and service to others. The AAE is proud to recognize their commitment to endodontics.

Edgar D. Coolidge Award

Given to an individual who has displayed leadership and exemplary dedication to dentistry and endodontics.

James L. Gutmann, D.D.S.

The AAE’s highest award will be presented toDr. James L. Gutmann, in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, commitment and exemplary involvement in dentistry and endodontics. Dr. Gutmann completed his endodontic training at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and entered academia as an assistant professor of endodontics at the Medical College of Virginia. He was then appointed chairman of the Department of Endodontics at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland at Baltimore. In 1982, Dr. Gutmann was appointed as a tenured professor and chairman of the Department of Endodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry and in 1992, named professor and director of the Graduate Endodontic Program within the Department of Restorative Sciences at Baylor. Dr. Gutmann is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and serves as editor of theJournal of the History of Dentistry. He served as president of the American Association of Endodontists from 2000-2001, and is the president of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry.

An AAE member since 1971, Dr. Gutmann has presented more than 800 lectures, papers, and continuing education courses in the United States and 52 foreign countries on six continents. Additionally, he has authored or co-authored more than 300 articles in both dental journals and texts that address scientific, research, educational, and clinical topics. He is the senior author of an endodontic text entitled “Problem Solving in Endodontics” published in its 5^th edition in 2011 – available in 9 languages. He is also the senior co-author of text entitled “Surgical Endodontics,” published in 1991 and reprinted in 1994 and 1999, and co-author of “The Clinician’s Endodontic Handbook” published in its 3^rd edition in 2009. In 1998 he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Athens, Athens, Greece, for his contributions to dentistry and endodontics. He received the Distinguished Dental Alumnus Award for 2000 from Marquette University School of Dentistry. In 2002, Dr. Gutmann received the Award of Distinction for Continuing Education Activities from the Academy of Dentistry International and was inducted as a Fellow of the Academy in 2003. In 2011 he received the I. B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award from the AAE.

“Dr. Gutmann has always exemplified exceptional dedication and leadership, and he has served as a role model to his students, fellow educators and colleagues. His vision, scientific knowledge, research and publications have strengthened the specialty of endodontics as a whole. Dr. Gutmann’s CV speaks for itself. It is my privilege to recommend Dr. James Gutmann for the 2017 Edgar D. Coolidge Award.” –Paul Buxt, B.D.S., D.M.D.

I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award

Presented to an individual who has been a full-time educator for at least 15 years, whose contributions to endodontics have demonstrated excellence through selfless commitment to full-time educational pursuits and have instilled in his/her students a desire to pursue excellence in their careers.

Paul A. Rosenberg, D.D.S.

For more than 25 yearsDr. Paul A. Rosenberg has been a respected educator and role model for future endodontists. After completing his endodontic training at New York University College of Dentistry, he served as professor and chair of the Department of Endodontics and post graduate director at NYU College of Dentistry. Dr. Rosenberg’s many years of experience training dental professionals is evident in his candid, enlightening and engaging teaching style. Dr. Rosenberg is known for providing dentists with the tools to successfully prevent or manage pain in the endodontic patient. His evidence-based presentation draws upon his extensive research and clinical knowledge, offering vital clinical tips and protocols which can be easily implemented when developing pain preventive strategies.

Dr. Rosenberg, a Board-certified endodontist, served on the ABE board from 2002 – 2008. His impressive research includes more than 20 published papers and 10 research grants. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award at New York University, which is its highest honor for teaching. Dr. Rosenberg lectures nationally and internationally on the subject of endodontic pain. He has published extensively in journals and textbooks. His new book, Endodontic Pain: Diagnosis, Causes, Prevention and Treatment, recently was published by Springer. Dr. Rosenberg maintains a practice limited to endodontics in New York City where the principles described in his lectures and textbook concerning pain prevention are exemplified in treatment of patients.

“There are many wonderful people in our specialty of endodontics. Most of us were drawn to the profession after we were introduced to the compassionate doctors who eventually became our own mentors. However, Dr. Rosenberg is the very best example of an educator amongst the exceptional people being nominated. Quite simply, no other is more deserving of the I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award than Dr. Paul Rosenberg.” –Patricia A. Tordik, D.M.D., Dental School Professor / Program Director Advanced Specialty Education in Endodontics, Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics

Edward M. Osetek Educator Award

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.

Frederic Barnett, D.M.D.

Dr. Frederic Barnett has an international reputation in the specialty of endodontics. He serves in a variety of professional journal editorial and review board positions. He has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and has lectured throughout the United States and many countries worldwide. He supports organized dentistry through membership in a number of professional and scientific societies and AAE committees. As a well-respected and knowledgeable clinician and academician, he continues to advance the profession, especially in the realm of endodontics.

Dr. Barnett is a 1978 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He completed a General Practice Residency followed by completion of his postdoctoral training in endodontics in 1981 at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics (1988) and a past president of the Louis I. Grossman Endodontic Study Club in Philadelphia.

Dr. Barnett joined the Department of Dental Medicine at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia in 1997 as an attending faculty member on a part-time basis in the I.B. Bender Division of Endodontics. He was concurrently a clinical associate professor at Temple University Dental School Department of Endodontology, and maintained a private practice. In 2006, Dr. Barnett was appointed to the fulltime positions of chairman and residency program director of the I.B. Bender Division of Endodontics. Dr. Barnett also serves as an adjunct associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and served as vice chairman of Penn’s Department of Dental Medicine before being appointed chairman in 2011.

“Dr. Barnett is a highly ethical person possessing a high level of professional integrity and honesty. He is most collegial in sharing knowledge and is committed to mentoring residents andjunior faculty. Dr. Barnett’s direct and unselfish involvement in leading and personally supporting alumni and faculty endeavors to financially support the renovation of the clinical facilities at Einstein Medical Center that benefit the postdoctoral residents’ clinical practice, and most importantly, the patient experience. Of utmost importance is his commitment to endodontic education as attested by numerous residents and students in training as well as peer educators in the profession.” –Alan J. Borislow, D.D.S., F.A.C.D., F.I.C.D., Associate Program Director

Part-Time Educator Award

Presented to a part-time educator for at least 20 years whose contributions to endodontics have demonstrated dedication to the specialty and have instilled in his/her students a desire to pursue excellence in their careers.

Joseph K. Spector, D.D.S.

Dr. Joseph K. Spector has been involved in endodontic education at different levels for almost 60 years, starting as a part-time assistant clinical professor in the Department of Endodontics at New York University in 1959. Dr.Spector has made a deep impact on the students at New York University by advising students on how to tackle a complicated case, on the best approach to the difficult lower molar surgery or through settling an upset patient with his charm.

In 1972, Dr. Spector became the chief of Division of Endodontics at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and he still serves in that position, in a part-time capacity. Dr. Spector is an invaluable member of the graduate endodontic clinical faculty. He demonstrates dedication to endodontics as a part-time teacher of endodontics in an advanced specialty education capacity. He presents lectures and seminars on numerous topics in the field of endodontics, to groups and departments within the confines of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center complex and the New York University College of Dentistry from 1959 to the present. Dr. Spector is extremely well respected by all students and faculty alike. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics in 1965.

His residents highlight Dr. Spector’s ability to treat every resident with love and respect, in a way that only a true born educator can do. He patiently helps in diagnosing a case, emphasizes thorough evaluation including a detailed and accurate medical and dental history. Dr. Spector has lived a full life, and had a full career, and now dedicates his time to those in the beginning of their careers.

“Dr. Spector to me, represents, the past, present, and future of endodontics. He was trained inthe 1950s, and became board certified during the 1960s. He treats every single postgraduate resident, fellow faculty member, and patient with the utmost respect. Dr. Spector can be found any day of the week with the JOE in one hand, and iPhone 6+ in the other. He practices only according to current literature, despite lifelong learning, and sometimes, relearning of what were previously acceptedconcepts. He prides himself not on being the best, or most knowledgeable endodontist who everwas, but the most humble and practical one. He treats every resident with love and respect, in away that only a true born educator can do.” –Robert Hochberg, D.D.S., PGY2 Resident, NYU Endo ’16

Spirit of Service Lifetime Dental Community Volunteer Award

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated the true spirit of leadership by creating effective partnerships in the dental community, impacting dental organizations and benefiting patients by volunteering his or her time and expertise in treating the underserved.

Steven G. Forte, D.D.S.

Dr. Steven G. Forte has dedicated much of his dental career to helping underserved populations. After earning his dental degree at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and practicing as an endodontist in Richmond and Newport News, Virginia, Dr. Forte has participated in 17 mission projects. He has been a member of the AAE since 1995.

In 2008, Dr. Forte began working for the Crossover Clinics, providing local underprivileged children with free root canal treatment. Dr. Forte’s commitment to service continued as a member of “Endodontists for Oral Health,” a financial donation to sponsor program for Give Kids a Smile. Dr. Forte has participated with every Mission of Mercy project that has ever been held in the state of Virginia; MOM projects treat people who have no access to dental or medical care due to financial reasons. His entire family attends the event and helps treat the patients. The line for treatment starts usually two days ahead of time and the people line up and camp out waiting to see the dentist. Dr. Forte works 10-12 hours from two to four day stretches, provides all the equipment and receives no remuneration. He has developed means for portable radiographs and has kits available for anyone wishing to participate in endodontic care.

Dr. Forte treats patients in his office on a daily basis that do not have the means to pay for care. He does volunteer work in his community and church. Dr. Forte is involved in the Virginia Dental Association as a past officer and he is past president of the Virginia Academy of Endodontists. He has also served on many AAE committees.

“Dr. Forte has given back to his community, his school, his church with his time, his efforts andhis money. NO task has been turned down when he was called on for service to the school, community or church. He is the state coordinator for endodontic care for most charity events held in the state that provide free dental care. He is the true definition of someone who deserves the AAE Spirit of Service Award.” –Clara M. Spatafore D.D.S., M.S., Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics, Chair, VCU Department of Endodontics

Honorary Membership

Honorary Membership is granted by the Board of Directors in acknowledgement of one’s significant contributions that have furthered the advancement of endodontics and who otherwise are not eligible for AAE membership.

Margie A. Hannen

Margie A. Hannen began as Membership Coordinator at the American Association of Endodontists, where she acquired in-depth knowledge of the Association, its policies, operations, membership process and retention, as well as members and staff. She also Assisted with membership with the development of theMembership Directory.

In 1999, Margie became Executive Secretary of the American Board of Endodontics, and then its Chief Operating Officer from 2014 to the present. Margie has sustained the ABE during the largest growth period that the organization has ever experienced. In 2007, the ABE examined 10 candidates; in 2015 200 candidates were examined. From day one, Margie has embraced the importance of Board certification in maintaining the specialty. Every director of the ABE who has served during Margie’s tenure will attest to the hard work and devotion that she consistently delivers in helping countless candidates wade through the changes in technologies, application forms, and requirement changes over the past 10 years. Margie is the voice to help guide them through the rigors of case portfolio submission and the supportive and nurturing cheerleader when the oral exams are being given. She is the proud parent when the candidates receive their Diplomate pins each spring. Margie has helped each and every Diplomate reach that moment of their endodontic career.

“No single person has put in as many hours as Margie in the efforts to shepherd candidates though board certification. She patiently aids them with procedure and protocol but more importantly helps them to feel as though they are truly supported and indeed strongly respected by the entire Board of Directors for undertaking what can be a difficult and stressful process.It has been said “we all stand on the shoulders of giants”. Margie certainly does not stand below the endodontist she has so faithfully served but she has definitely shoulderedus up.” –Donna Mattscheck D.M.D., President, American Board of Endodontics 2015-2016

This year’s award recipients will be recognized at the Edgar D. Coolidge Jazz Brunch on April 29, 2017, in New Orleans, as part of AAE17. For more information about the annual meeting or the awards ceremony, visit theAAE17 meeting website.