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With 2014, the American Academy of Periodontology is commemorating a century of science, education, leadership and advocacy with a year full of festivities in celebration of its 100th year anniversary.
The centennial celebration will culminate at the AAP’s 100th annual meeting on Sept. 19-22 in San Francisco. Attendees can expect a number of special events highlighting AAP’s achievements over the past 100 years and presenting a vision of the future of the periodontal specialty.
Originally founded as the American Academy of Oral Prophylaxis and Periodontology, the AAP was launched in May 1914 by Drs. Gillette Hayden and Grace Rogers Spalding. It changed its name to the American Academy of Periodontology in 1919 and introduced the Journal of Periodontology in 1930. The American Dental Association recognized periodontics as an official dental specialty in 1947.
“The specialty of periodontology has come a long way over the past 100 years,” said Dr. Stuart Froum, AAP president. “As trailblazers in research and technology, periodontists are committed to saving people’s teeth and, in turn, improving the overall health of patients. Our specialty is ever evolving.”
Dr. Froum noted that the past 100 years have brought a number of advancements in periodontal research and practice, including the introduction of dental implants, exploration of the relationship linking periodontal disease and systemic disease, the ability to regenerate tissue lost to periodontal disease, and a focus on a team approach to patient care.
As part of the centennial celebration, the AAP launched an online 100th anniversary dashboard on perio.org, complete with an interactive timeline, guest book and archival photos.