Orthodontics faculty receive accolades for research, humanitarianism at AAO Annual Session

School of Dentistry faculty received accolades at the American Association of Orthodontics Annual Session.

Held in May in New Orleans, LA, the 2024 AAO Annual Session featured curated tracks with presentations, networking, continuing education and more. “It is the largest orthodontic meeting in the world and creates the opportunity to renew old friendships and create new ones,” explained Brent Larson, DDS, MS, professor of orthodontics, director of the Division of Orthodontics Interim Chair of the Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences. “It provides the latest information regarding clinical practice, and the exhibit hall provides access to the latest advances in technology.”

In addition to the typical learning and networking gathered at the session, two faculty received great honors this year.

Larson received the 2024 Jacob A Salzmann Award. Sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation, the award is named in honor of Dr. Jacob Salzman, who Larson called “a pioneer in access to care issues and for providing the best possible care for all patients.” The recipient, nominated by the President of the American Association of Orthodontists, is invited to provide the Salzmann lecture as part of the conference.

Larson’s presentation, “The Future of 3D Imaging: MRI & VR,” sought to “highlight the research efforts of our division and specifically summarize the research projects of four recent orthodontic residents, and how their efforts will help lead our profession forward in the areas of 3D imaging and visualization,” he said.

Larson was “incredibly honored and humbled” by the award. “To be recognized by your peers is a wonderful feeling!”

In addition to the honor and excitement, the award provided Larson with an opportunity to connect with colleagues working on 3D imaging themselves. “Hopefully, by working together, we will be able to advance our research efforts more rapidly, and ultimately provide better care for our patients,” he said.

Cheryl Anderson-Cermin, DDS ’86, received the Humanitarian Award, recognizing a member for “significant contributions to improve the quality of human life that extend beyond the usual scope of private practice, academic functions or organized dentistry.”

Anderson-Cermin became an adjunct instructor of orthodontics as her private practice commitments slowed. “Dr. Larson and his faculty have built an exceptional program, attracting stellar residents and incorporating state-of-the-art technology,” Anderson-Cermin said of her decision to become an instructor. “It is my honor and delight to be a small part of such a fine endeavor, to educate our upcoming colleagues.”

In addition to her work as an adjunct instructor, in private practice and as a mother to two children, Anderson-Cermin has worked with LEAP Global Missions for the past 33 years, serving as the orthodontist on the multispecialty cleft team. Anderson-Cermin has traveled to Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Dominican Republic, India, Belize and Nepal to educate professionals on “how to manage the complex care required for these cases.”

Specifically, Anderson-Cermin works to address failure to thrive in infants with cleft palate. “Through the fabrication of an obturator, providing cleft nursing bottles, formula and instruction, the families have the tools to feed their infant, allowing for proper nutrition,” she explained. “The hope is that these infants will return to the mission the next year and be healthy, in order to receive their needed surgery.”

Anderson-Cermin believes strongly in the importance of this work and the impact it can have on a family that feels as if they are without hope. “The sharing of a small part of our time and talent can have a lasting impact on these individuals,” she said. “Showing compassion and a heartfelt touch or reassuring smile can do so much to help families. And our efforts grow exponentially when we are able to teach local professionals how to manage these complex cases.”

Cermin-Anderson considered it a “shock and honor” to receive the award.

“We often think as orthodontists, we can have little impact on the mission field, serving others in need,” she said.”It was an honor to share with my colleagues ways to offer our services and expertise to those who desperately need care. It was also a call to remember every day, in every office, in every dental chair, we as professionals have an opportunity to have a lasting impact on those with whom we have contact.”