Foundation for the Future Campaign

Every periodontist benefits from the Foundation's mission. Your donation supports innovative research and educational initiatives.

A gift to the AAP Foundation is an opportunity to ensure that periodontology continues to attract the best and brightest! Please support the Foundation for the Future today!

What makes our specialty great? Periodontists are passionate about their profession. These are just a few reasons why—

Dr. Kyle Diehl

2020 Educator Scholar
3rd Year Resident
University of Colorado
“I enjoy the possibility of contributing to future thoughts/ideas through research. As science leads us to increasingly important discoveries, our influence over peoples’ health grows, and we can impact the future of their care.”

Dr. Daniel Clark

2022 Teaching Fellow
Assistant Professor of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry
Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
“I am attracted to all the research. Knowing that there is a Foundation dedicated to advancing the work that was inspiring to me was one of the primary reasons I picked this specialty.”

Dr. Lea Hachem

2022 Tarrson Fellow
Associate Professor
University of Texas, San Antonio
“When I witnessed the delicacy of a sinus lift procedure, it was love at first sight. I was still in dental school. I decided that day I wanted to be a periodontist. After I graduated from the advanced education program, I knew I had found my passion.”

The Foundation for Every Periodontist

These practitioners share a bond. A grant from the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation helped each of them to continue doing the work they love.

You may not have received financial support, but you are the beneficiary of something equally valuable. For over 34 years, the Foundation has been strengthening the resources that make periodontology great.

We support

  • An expanding body of scientific evidence
  • Research that pushes boundaries
  • Clinical and technological expertise
  • Rigorous educational programs
  • Emerging leaders
  • A growing community of quality and care

The Foundation’s unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that the public recognizes periodontists as the trusted experts in this field. We don’t just support a few individuals, the Foundation delivers value that increases each year to every specialist.

Whether you are a practitioner, a scientist, or an educator, you benefit from a vibrant community of knowledge. Support for research and education keeps periodontology at the front of a healthcare environment that is changing more rapidly than any of us could have imagined just several years ago.

As stewards of your research and educational future, the Foundation is committed to these significant responsibilities—

  • Growing today’s funds to meet tomorrow’s needs.
  • Securing resources to pioneer breakthrough developments and to address unexpected challenges.
  • Maintaining the talent, tools, and equipment to operate a growing philanthropic program.

The Foundation for Ambitious Goals

We are excited to launch an ambitious new initiative. The AAPF Campaign seeks to raise $5 million. The goal is to position periodontology to seize opportunities, to preserve our standing at the cutting-edge of dentistry, and to ensure that tomorrow’s periodontists have even more reasons to be proud of their heritage than today’s.

Many practitioners have eagerly contributed to our support. They gave out of gratitude for the spiritual and material wealth that this community of excellence provides. You play an important role in our success. If you have never given, now is the time to join the family. If you have already contributed, consider reaffirming your support.

Our future is in our own hands. If we want industry or other partners to join our campaign, we must step up to the plate first.

There is an incredible wealth of expertise and care in this community. Let’s translate that enthusiasm into dollars for research, education, and your own future. You and your patients will reap the benefits. There aren’t many ways to give that offer such a significant return on your investment.

Give to keep our specialty great for—

  • Yourself and your colleagues today,
  • The next generation of specialists tomorrow,
  • And the foundation we must leave to the future.

Dr. Stephen J. Meraw

1999 Kramer Scholar
AAP President
Private Practice, Ann Arbor, MI

Here’s how AAP President, Dr. Stephen J. Meraw describes his relationship with the AAP Foundation:

“The Foundation has been a part of my career since graduation. When there were only two awards, they invested in me. As part of the Kramer Family, I learned that I was expected to positively impact our profession and give back when it was my turn. It’s been great to see the expansion of the Foundation’s portfolio and the significant impact on periodontal education.”

Meet the Foundation

The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation is the philanthropic partner of the American Academy of Periodontology. The two organizations are opposite sides of a coin. Each group plays a unique part in keeping the specialty strong.

The Academy, which was founded in 1914, represents 7,500 members. It provides advocacy and education that advances clinical practice and promotes quality patient care.

The Foundation strengthens the educational and scientific base which supports periodontists and their practices. It invests in the specialty’s most precious resource—its human capital. A portfolio of grants, with funding available for educators and scientists throughout their careers, ensures that the talent needed to transform the future will always be available.

Share Our Values

These principles inform our decision-making and guide our activities:

Vision

The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation is the premier philanthropic entity ensuring the viability and sustainability of the specialty of periodontics and dental implant surgery.

Mission

The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation serves to advance the specialty of periodontology and dental implant surgery through advocacy, research, and education.

Guiding Lights

Your AAP Foundation:

  • Acts as a trusted steward of its charitable contributions and will use them effectively to support and fund meaningful programs that improve periodontal and peri-implant health.
  • Supports science-based research and its integration into periodontal and implant practice.
  • Supports activities of the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Board of Periodontology that are consistent with the Foundation’s mission.
  • Advocates life-long learning, scholarships, and other initiatives that promote and sustain excellence in periodontal education.
  • Seeks synergistic partnerships with corporate donors, educators, and periodontal specialists to generate and leverage resources.
  • Actively solicits within and outside the dental community to support its research and education programs.

Dr. Lisa B. Masters

Co-Chair: The Foundation for the Future Campaign
Clinical Associate Professor
UT Health San Antonio Dental School
Private Practice, San Antonio, TX

“I teach part-time in San Antonio. Many of my residents have received awards. My colleagues on the faculty have also been recognized with funding both for education and research. So, I have seen how these grants enhance our specialty. This support ensures that education and research remain high quality. That’s why I’m passionate about the Foundation. I’m excited about the future accomplishments that are going to make our specialty fabulous forever.”

Dr. Chris Richardson

Co-Chair: The Foundation for the Future Campaign
AAP Past President
1998 Kramer Scholar
Private Practice, Richmond & Midlothian, VA

“The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation is a critical component to the field of periodontics. Not only am I passionate about the work of the Foundation, I feel it is my duty to support this organization through both volunteer time and charitable giving. Like many of my colleagues, I will never be able to express my gratitude for all that periodontics has given me. Giving to the AAPF feels great, and I know it goes toward our profession’s long-term success.”

The Foundation for Education: Inspire New and Accomplished Educators

Foundation support was pivotal in helping Dr. Mason to focus on the most fulfilling aspects of his career. His award allowed him to work on educational platforms at the University of North Carolina without the added pressure to generate additional income through faculty practice.

More than other areas of dentistry, periodontics is grounded in biology and science. There is no shortage of clinicians with a passion for learning like Dr. Mason. However, enabling potential academic leaders to pursue a career in education is an ongoing challenge. The income disparity between teaching and clinical practice creates a significant barrier to recruiting and retaining faculty. Foundation grants bridge this gap and allow more brilliant minds to discover their intellectual home.

The Foundation exists to ensure that residents and dental students will have trusted advisors who embody impeccable ethics and perpetuate clinical excellence. Our grants support and encourage:

  • Visibility and prominence for periodontics departments.
  • Recognition for those who excel in academics and research.
  • Periodontal training for dental students by periodontists.
  • Continuing education and leadership training for faculty.
  • Peer-to-peer mentoring and support to grantees through a growing network of award recipients.

The Foundation for Research: Support Scientific Innovators

Without a scientist’s commitment to evidence, clinical practice rests on a house of cards. The Foundation’s responsibility is to keep periodontology grounded in scientific truth and to expand the specialty’s ability to translate research into exceptional patient care.

As technology drives science at an explosive pace, it becomes increasingly challenging to foresee future disruptions or opportunities for innovation. Researchers, whose eyes are trained on the horizon, are imperative to stay ahead of the marketplace.

Foundation grants to emerging and mature scientists ensure that periodontology grows that pipeline of discovery. We are proud to support dedicated scientists who are putting periodontology at the center of the most exciting discoveries in oral health. Foundation grants advance promising careers by:

  • Providing seed money for pilot projects that can lead to large-scale funding.
  • Giving new researchers the opportunity to publish findings.
  • Positioning faculty to be eligible for tenure.
  • Validating the decision to pursue a career in research.
  • Giving grantees prestige and credibility at their institutions and throughout the specialty.

Dr. Matthew Mason

Assistant Professor and Predoctoral
Periodontology Director
University of North Carolina
2022 Teaching Fellow
2020 AAPF ADEA/AAL ITL Fellow
2019 Lazzara Fellow

“Innovation and discovery are so important, especially early in your career. That curiosity could change the profession 20 or 30 years down the road. The Foundation’s awards inspire and validate the efforts of younger faculty members. They provide the freedom to focus on the path less traveled and experiment with new initiatives.”

Dr. Ahmed R. El-Awady

Predoctoral Director
Augusta University
2022 Dr. Colin Richman and Family
Perio-Ortho Interface Award
2021 Teaching Fellow
2015 Educator Scholar

“As a researcher, your ideas are your babies. You are constantly working to help them develop and grow. Finding a good incubator for your project is the greatest challenge. You might have an interesting question with outstanding clinical application, but without that incubation, your idea can’t be realized. The Richman Award is a great scientific incubator. Receiving funding for the application we submitted helped us to send the baby to a good school.”

The Foundation to Grow Resources: Meet Tomorrow’s Needs

We have a tradition of successful fundraising. Over the years, our giving has expanded. In 2022, $301,000 was awarded to research and education and $64,000 was contributed to programs of the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Board of Periodontology.

Our inaugural campaign in 1990 was 34 years ago. We’ve reached a point in our development that calls for reinvigorating our resources.

Much of the income from contributions is designated to support special awards. It’s wonderful that our donors embrace these unique initiatives. On the other hand, those restrictions mean that our reserves grow more slowly. In addition, about $130,000 in impactful grant opportunities like the ones listed below are contingent on annual support:

  • $2,000 x 5 - Charles W. Finley Visiting Scholar Grants
  • $3,500 x 5 -
    AAP Foundation Fellowships to the ADEA/AAL Institute
    for Teaching & Learning in the Health Professions
  • $30,000 - Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship
  • $12,000 x 2 - Educator Scholarships
  • $25,000 x 2 - Teaching Fellowships

We want our robust philanthropic agenda to continue in perpetuity. To ensure that future longevity requires extra effort in the moment. Our goal is to match or exceed the initial $5 million we raised at the Foundation’s inception.

Invest in Your Foundation

While every gift is welcome and appreciated, the following are the suggested levels
of generosity that will help the Foundation to achieve its goals most efficiently.

Recognition Levels:

  • Platinum: $500,000 plus
  • Gold: $100,000 – $499,999
  • Silver: $50,000 – $99,999
  • Cobalt: $25,000 – $49,999
  • Copper: $10,000 – $24,999
  • Bronze: $5,000 – $9,999
  • Friends: $1,000 – $4,999
  • Donor: Up to $999
  • Club 770: $770
  • Future of Perio: $250 (Student level)

Dr. Sam Lynch

Founder, Chairman, & CEO:
Lynch Regenerative Medicine
The Foundation for the Future Campaign Committee Member

“Periodontists change lives, and the education of a life-changing specialist starts with great training. We are the scientific surgeons of the mouth, with a deep understanding of biological principles of disease and destruction, as well as restoration and regeneration. Our profession supports oral health, systemic health, and even mental health. The AAP Foundation’s campaign will keep that legacy strong, so that periodontics continues to attract the best and brightest dental health professionals.”

Dr. Flavia Pirih

Past President AAP Foundation
2007 Educator Scholar
2013 Tarrson Fellow

“Thank you for helping to fuel this passion for excellence that exists in periodontology. It is a powerful force that will lead us to boundless discovery and positive outcomes. Your generosity — each dollar you contribute — is utilized for impact. Whether it is ensuring we have talented educators in place, disseminating knowledge for use in our practices, cultivating new leaders, or answering the most important questions of the day, your generosity is making lives better. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Learn How the Foundation Invests in You

Every award on the list below has impacted many lives. For each outstanding teacher the Foundation supports, countless students reap the benefits, and for each graduate who developed skills and values due to a concerned mentor, hundreds of patients receive better care.

Grants to Education

Dr. Mark K. Setter Leadership in Periodontology and Dental Implantology Award–$10,000

Recognizes a resident who exemplifies leadership qualities.

*Charles Finley Visiting Scholar Education Awards–$2,000

Awarded to accredited U.S. periodontal programs to offset honoraria, travel, promotion, and seminars by speakers in periodontology.

*Fellowships to the Institute for Teaching and Learning–$3,500

To cover full tuition for the Institute program for dental faculty.

*Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship–$30,000 paid over three years

To a young faculty member.

Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence–$10,000

To third-year full-time periodontal students.

Dr. Walter D. Cohen Teaching Award–$10,000

To third-year full-time periodontal students (sponsored by Carestream).

*Teaching Fellowships–$25,000

For young educators to provide debt relief.

*Educator Scholarships–$12,000

To residents intending to pursue a full-time career in education.

*Nevins Teaching and Clinical Research Fellowship & Nevins BioHorizons Fellowship–$20,000

To full-time periodontal educators who have been teaching between 1-5 full-time academic years at U.S. programs. Nevins BioHorizons Fellowship sponsored by BioHorizons

*These grants require annual support.

Grants to Research

The Colin Richman and Family Perio.-Ortho. Interface Award–$20,000-40,000

To a periodontic or orthodontic resident.

Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award–$10,000

Recognizes excellence in original research by a resident in the specialty of periodontics that advances clinical therapies in periodontal regeneration.

The Patty and Paul Levi Research Award–$5,000

To a predoctoral student or students in a dental school with a periodontal faculty or resident member as a mentor/principal investigator.

The AAP Foundation Schoor Research Award–$2,000

To full-time residents in an accredited US periodontal program in any year of residency.

Dr. Jeanne Ambruster

Chief Executive Officer:
The Avenues Company
The Foundation for the Future Campaign Committee Member

“There is a whole new world coming out of AI. It’s going to give us the ability to create better access and more affordable care. We’re going to be able to predict outcomes like never before. And perio is getting new attention from major funders because of the good we can do if we are on the forefront of these developments.”

We are Research

We fund research to keep periodontology at the cutting edge of scientific dentistry. Read more...

research

We are Education

We ensure the future of periodontology by strengthening future generations. Read more...

research

We are Visionary

The Visionary Society was launched in 2000 to encourage the gift of future assets. Read more...

research

 

Past Award Winners Update

Congratulations to Fatemeh “Flora” Momen-Heravi, DDS, PhD, (2017 Educator Scholar, 2018 Dr. D. Walter Cohen Teaching Award Recipient) assistant professor of dental medicine at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, who was named the 2020 recipient of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Anne D. Haffajee Fellowship. The award provides early-career women researchers in the field of oral biology with financial support for training and research activities that will advance their academic careers. Read more here.

 
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