AAOMS awards highlight groundbreaking advances in oral and maxillofacial surgery
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) honoured over 30 professionals at its 107th Annual Meeting, held in Washington, D.C., recognising significant contributions to the specialty across research, education, humanitarian efforts, and legislative advocacy. The event, which also involved collaboration with the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, underlined AAOMS’s ongoing commitment to advancing care quality and professional standards in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
AAOMS dedicated this year's meeting to Dr. Robert E. Marx, whose pioneering work has profoundly influenced contemporary practice. The association credited Dr. Marx with introducing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve healing processes and developing bone regeneration techniques vital in facial reconstruction. His research was pivotal in securing FDA approval for a critical bone growth protein and advanced therapies for recovery post-radiation therapy. Notably, Dr. Marx was the first to identify medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, marking a milestone in patient safety improvements.
Another significant accolade, the Robert V. Walker Distinguished Service Award, was presented to Dr. Edward Ellis III, who has made substantial advances in treating facial trauma and jaw deformities. The company highlighted his leadership roles and prolific output in scientific publications and education that have shaped surgical protocols nationally and internationally.
Other award recipients recognised by AAOMS span a broad spectrum, including clinical researchers, educators, residents, and advocates. Among these were notable names such as Dr. Janice S. Lee, recognised with the Clinical Research Award, and Dr. Jasjit K. Dillon, awarded Committee Person of the Year. The AAOMS Foundation also presented its research awards during the meeting, highlighting innovative studies that continue to propel the specialty forward.
The association’s awards programme extends beyond individual recognition, encompassing scholarships for residents, support for academic faculty, and acknowledgements for humanitarian and political advocacy efforts within the field. These initiatives aim to nurture emerging talent while reinforcing the association’s role in professional development and patient care standards.
The meeting’s expansive scope, with educational sessions, hands-on training, and networking opportunities, reflects AAOMS’s ongoing strategy to foster global collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgeons. By including leaders from allied organisations in Canada and Europe as honorary fellows, the association emphasises international engagement in advancing the specialty.
While the event predominantly celebrates achievements within the specialty, it also aligns with broader trends in medical professional societies by integrating research, education, and advocacy into a cohesive framework aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. This holistic approach mirrors efforts seen in other surgical disciplines, which have introduced awards and grants to stimulate innovation and clinical excellence.
The AAOMS Annual Meeting remains a critical platform for recognising exemplary contributions that collectively drive the evolution of oral and maxillofacial surgery, underscoring the specialty’s dedication to patient safety, advanced research, and comprehensive education.