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Position: 

I have been retired from clinical practice at Indianapolis Endodontics, PC now for 8 years.  I am a Life member of the AAE.  I provide occasional seminars as a volunteer at Indiana University School of Dentistry.  As a past AEBE Director, I continue as an examiner for the Case Portfolio and Oral exam, as needed.  I serve as a member to the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards.  I occasionally perform endodontics on exotic animals at the Indianapolis Zoo. 

Career Highlights: 

• Edgar D. Coolidge Award recipient 2010.
• President of the AAE and ABE.
• Served on the BOD of the AAE Foundation, AAE, College of Diplomates and ABE continuously for 21 years
• Department Chair and Director of Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics at Indiana University School of Dentistry
• Initial Chair, Evidence-based Endodontics Committee and Chair, Organizing Committee Evidence Based Workshop on Endodontology

Why Endodontics:

I was recruited into the Graduate Program by Sam Patterson when a last-minute opening occurred; right place at the right time, and acted on it.  I liked doing endodontics and Dr. Patterson recognized a potential in me.  Endodontics itself as a specialty was mostly potential in 1974.  It could be considered providence or serendipity, depending on your faith. 

Best Piece of Career Advice:

Endodontic career must start with quality treatment and predictable outcomes. Then, find your “sweet spot” - that balance between your endodontic career, family and faith. 

Endo Challenge: 

After 18 years in full time education I decided to leave as a tenured Full Professor and enter into full time private practice with good friend and colleagues, in a well-established practice.  I then practiced full time and continued as a part time faculty at IUSD for 20 more years.  I sincerely feel blessed for the opportunities provided by my university and specialty.   I feel a strong obligation to serve them both whenever possible.

Reason for Becoming an AAE member: 

My mentors were Samuel Patterson, Maynard Hine and Harry Healey.  Participation in organized dentistry was initially an expectation. Don Arens assigned me to my first committee, chaired by Ed Osetek, and I learned that my opinion was valued and needed. 

Fun Fact: 

My primary interest now is serving on a pastoral visitation team as an elder in my church.  I spend time visiting people in hospitals, senior residencies, hospice, mostly end-of-life situations.  I’ve always had an interest in the elderly, and I feel like I developed some unique interpersonal skills as an endodontist treating patients for 40 years.  Not too many WWII veterans still living.  I am considered “young old” at 70.

Bonus Content: 

Some photos from my Zoo days.

Community Question: (A question that community members can respond to)

What are you doing to contribute to the prosperity of our specialty? It didn’t just happen without member involvement at every level of organized dentistry and it will not continue without it. Don’t wait for somebody else.

If you have a member you would like to recommend, please email your submission to communityadmin@aae.org