Swift honored with AAOMS Annual Meeting dedication

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will dedicate its 106th Annual Meeting and Scientific Session in September to James Swift, DDS, professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The honor of a dedicated session is the most distinguished recognition bestowed on an individual in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Swift has been a member of the School of Dentistry faculty since 1989, serving as director of the Advanced Education Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, director of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery and professor. His research focuses on pain and pain management in the removal of third molars. 

Swift has worked on several AAOMS committees, worked closely with the Commission on Dental Accreditation committee for oral and maxillofacial surgery, and served as president of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and as president of the American Dental and Educational Association. He served as Chair of the Board of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery National Insurance Company and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Dentistry, the International College of Dentistry and the Pierre Fauchard Society. 

Swift’s many duties in research and organized dentistry keep him busy, but he sees them as immensely valuable to the dental profession. “Participation in organized dentistry results in improvement of care for all the patients we treat,” he said. “It makes us better doctors and clinicians.” 

Upon learning of the honor, Swift was “overwhelmed.”

“I personally think that there are so many oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are worthy of the honor,” he said. Swift prides himself on saying “yes” to many responsibilities and requests from professional associations and on his outstanding history of service. “I have been very fortunate to have opportunities to give back to my specialty.” 

At the conference, Swift looks forward to connecting with colleagues, and celebrating his honor with his family in attendance. 

“I am looking forward to thanking all of my colleagues who have supported me over the duration of my career,” he said. “And I am grateful that my family will be there to see me receive this honor. They have paid the price of my absence over all of the years that I have served the profession.” 

The 106th Annual Meeting and Scientific Session will take place in Orlando, FL from September 9-14.