The AAOF has established a vital role in the future of academic orthodontics and the profession of Orthodontics as a whole. Over the past decade, AAOF has grown to support orthodontics through the various grants available to individuals as well as programmes and institutions. As a junior faculty member being awarded a Faculty Development grant provided me with financial support to start and establish a research base and infrastructure that has led to additional research endevours well into my career.
Receiving the fellowship was a pivotal component in the development and success of my academic career. I was awarded the grant early in my career prior to obtaining tenure. It supported the establishment of my research activities and substantially led to my promotion and tenure. I cannot thank the Foundation and its benefactors enough for the support both in a financial manner as well as the recognition an AAOF fellowship provides to junior faculty members. Sources of funding at the junior level are not abundant, especially within the realm of clinical orthodontics. Without these awards, attracting orthodontists to enter academics and allowing them to advance with a successful career will be challenging and the status of academics will suffer greatly with the future becoming even more uncertain. The AAO and AAOF has recognized the need to attract and sustain academics and support academic programmes across North America and the AAO Foundation Awards are an excellent demonstration of the success such programmes can have.
