The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry will recognize recipients of its 2026 member awards during the organization’s Annual Meeting, AAPD 2026, scheduled for May 22-24 in Las Vegas.
The awards program recognizes contributions across clinical practice, academics, research, volunteer leadership, humanitarian service, evidence-based dentistry, and access to care. The organization announced recipients for both AAPD and AAPD Foundation honors.
Dr. Homa Amini will receive the Pediatric Dentist of the Year award, which recognizes contributions to pediatric dentistry through clinical practice, academics, or policy development during the past year, as well as volunteer leadership service to the profession.
The Heber Simmons Jr. Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Dr. John S. Rutkauskas. The award recognizes individuals who have made contributions over their careers to advocacy for children, improvement of children’s health, or related health professions serving children.
Dr. Harlyn Susarla was named recipient of the Jerome B. Miller “For the Kids” Award, which honors an emerging clinician, researcher, or academician for work supporting children’s oral health and welfare. Dr. Jessica Robertson will receive the Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award for volunteer leadership service within the organization.
The Manuel M. Album Award will be presented to Dr. Brian Hodgson for contributions to the oral health of children with special needs. Dr. Colleen Collins Greene will receive the Dr. Lewis A. Kay Excellence in Education Award, which recognizes pediatric dental program directors who demonstrate leadership and commitment to resident education and comprehensive oral healthcare for children.
The Suzi Seale Coll Evidence-Based Dentistry Service Award will be presented to Dr. M.S. Muthu for contributions to evidence-based clinical practice, academics, or policy development in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Murad Alrashdi will receive the Paul P. Taylor Award, which recognizes the lead author of the most prestigious journal article published in Pediatric Dentistry during the previous year.
Dr. Hani Eid was selected for the Dr. Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award, which honors commitment to improving the oral health of underserved populations in the United States or internationally. The Presidential Citation Award will be presented to Mr. Dick Helton for service supporting the AAPD mission and its members.
Mr. Ernesto Hart will receive the Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award, established in 2022 to recognize efforts supporting children in local communities through the AAPD Foundation grant program.
Recipients of the Early Career Dentist “Under 10” Award are Dr. Jacqueline Burgette, Dr. Matthew Keckeisen, Dr. Kathryn Pawlak, Dr. Scott Schwartz, and Dr. Jessica Sliger. The award recognizes pediatric dentists demonstrating achievement in clinical practice, research, leadership, advocacy, academia, or service early in their careers.
Resident Recognition Awards will be presented to Dr. Aubrey Fleming, Dr. Cristin Haase, Dr. Subechha Khadka, and Dr. Rata Rokhshad for contributions within their pediatric dental residency training programs.
Founded in 1947, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is a not-for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. The organization reports more than 11,000 members and supports evidence-based policies, clinical guidelines, research, continuing education, and advocacy related to children’s oral health and care for individuals with special healthcare needs.
More information is available at AAPD.
