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AAOMS Annual Meeting Highlights

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) held its 107th Annual Meeting, Scientific Sessions, and Exhibition in Washington, D.C., on September 17, 2025. This event recognized the outstanding contributions of over 30 professionals in the field, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, educators, researchers, residents, and legislators. The ceremony highlighted achievements across a spectrum of areas such as education, research, humanitarian efforts, and legislative advocacy.

Key Honors and Awards

One of the most notable recognitions at the meeting was the dedication to Dr. Robert E. Marx, a widely esteemed figure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Marx's innovative work, particularly in the introduction of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for enhancing healing processes, has shaped modern practices in the field. His contributions also include pioneering techniques in bone regeneration crucial for facial reconstruction and developing therapies that improve recovery after radiation treatments. Notably, he is credited with identifying medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, significantly enhancing patient safety and care in the discipline.

Dr. Edward Ellis III was awarded the prestigious Robert V. Walker Distinguished Service Award, acknowledging his decades-long leadership and contributions to oral and maxillofacial surgery. An accomplished researcher and educator, Dr. Ellis has authored numerous publications that have changed the landscape of treatment protocols for facial trauma and jaw deformation. His influence extends through editorial positions with major surgical journals and leadership roles in national boards, aligning the focus toward clinical care and surgical education improvement.

Other Notable Award Winners

The event also celebrated several other distinguished individuals:

• - Board of Trustees Citation Award: Daisy Chemaly, DMD, MDent, FRCD(C) (Toronto, Canada), Raymon P. Grewal, DDS (Vancouver, Canada)
• - Clinical Research Award: Janice S. Lee, DDS, MD, MS, FACS (Bethesda, Md.)
• - Committee Person of the Year Award: Jasjit K. Dillon, DDS, MBBS, FDSRCS, FACS (Bellevue, Wash.)
• - Daniel M. Laskin Award: Louis Mandel, DDS (New York, N.Y.) for outstanding predoctoral education
• - Humanitarian Award for Residents: Talal B. Beidas, DDS (Houston, Texas)
• - Outstanding Legislator of the Year: U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, MD, and Jeff Van Drew, DMD

In addition, awards presented by the OMS Foundation were aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of patient care through innovative research and education within the oral and maxillofacial surgery field. Among these recipients were Roderick W. Lewin, DMD, and the authors of two significant research publications addressing advancements in surgical procedures and patient outcomes.

Significance of the Annual Meeting

The AAOMS Annual Meeting is an essential platform for knowledge exchange among professionals in the industry. Coupled with the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, this year's meeting fostered an environment of collaboration, featuring clinical sessions and hands-on training that equip surgeons with the latest advancements. The event's commitment to elevating patient care and fostering professional excellence sets a high standard in the field.

As a professional organization representing over 11,000 members in the specialty, AAOMS is devoted to supporting oral and maxillofacial surgeons through education, research, and advocacy. Members are held to rigorous continuing education standards, ensuring they remain at the forefront of surgical advancements.

The dedication and achievements recognized during the meeting underscore the collective efforts to advance the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, reflecting the commitment of its professionals to improving patient outcomes and safety across diverse facets of healthcare.