Five things to know about the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Third installment of Specialty Spotlight
Editor’s note: This is the third installment in a 13-part ADA News series profi ling the National Commission and each of the 12 recognized specialty sponsoring organizations. Here are five facts you may not know about the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry from its CEO, John Rutkauskas, D.D.S.
1.In February 1947, a group of 44 practicing dentists and dental teachers met in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with the intent of creating an American Academy of Pedodontics, organized “to achieve by mutual study and cooperative activities, a high and ethical standard of practice, teaching and research in the art and science of dentistry for children.” During the past 75 years, the ranks of the academy have grown from the original 44 to more than 11,000 members across the United States and around the globe.
2. The AAPD is the big authority on little teeth. The academy’s mission is to advance optimal oral health for all children by delivering outstanding service that meets and exceeds the needs and expectations of our members, partners and stakeholders. Our members put children first in everything they do and at the highest standards of ethics and patient safety. We are the embodiment of our members’ expertise as the big authorities on little teeth.
3. The AAPD Research & Policy Center is a thought leader on children’s oral health policy. Established in February 2011, the goal of the center is to inform and advance research and policy to promote optimal oral health care for children. The policy center conducts research studies and policy analysis to further the understanding of practices to improve oral health for all children. Some of the primary efforts of the team that supports its overarching goal include administering primary research; monitoring existing reputable data sources; synthesizing evidence for guideline development; collaborating with other leaders in oral health and health policy; and generating discussion on contemporary issues in pediatric dentistry.
4. As advocates of children’s oral health, the AAPD works closely with legislators, professional associations and health care professionals to develop policies, implement research opportunities and educate health care workers and the public regarding pediatric oral health. In part, these goals are supported by the AAPD Political Action Committee, whose purpose is to provide financial support to candidates for federal office who have demonstrated a serious commitment to those issues of importance to the AAPD and the improved oral health of children. The PAC is overseen by AAPD and is comprised of a steering committee appointed by the AAPD board of trustees.
5. The AAPD Foundation is the charitable arm of the AAPD and the nation’s largest dentist-led charity dedicated to making dental care accessible to all children. The foundation works to ensure that all little teeth get the care they need, by supporting community-based programs that provide dental services to all children. Since 2010, the foundation has awarded $10,290,360 in grants, supporting the optimal oral health of over 800,000 children who otherwise may not have received dental care.
For more information on AAPD, visit aapd. org
