AAPD Announces Pediatric Oral Health Research and Policy Center Director

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American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Nov 21, 2011, 10:00 ET

Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo to Oversee Mission of the Policy Center

CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children's oral health, today announced the appointment of Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo as Director of the AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Research and Policy Center (POHRPC).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100222/AAPDLOGO)

Established in February 2011, the goal of the Center is to inform and advance research and policy analysis that will promote optimal oral health care for children. Through the AAPD, the Center will conduct research studies and policy analysis to further the understanding of practices which will improve oral health for all children.

According to AAPD President Dr. Rhea M. Haugseth, "With the development of the POHRPC, the AAPD has demonstrated the importance of directing research and policies that will impact the oral health of our nation's children. By selecting Dr. Paul Casamassimo as Director, we have clearly set the stage for unprecedented insight, thoroughly investigated research and clear, concise outcomes. Our Center will undoubtedly become the model for any that will follow under his thoughtful guidance."

Dr. Casamassimo will continue his teaching, clinical, and scholarly duties at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital while directing the Center. A distinguished academian for more than 20 years, he received his dental degree from Georgetown University in 1974 and a Master of Science and Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Iowa in 1976. He has taught at the University Of Iowa College Of Dentistry (1976-78) and the University Of Colorado School Of Dentistry (1978-88). Casamassimo is past president of the AAPD and past president of the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, as well as past editor of the Journal of Dentistry for the Handicapped and Journal of Dentistry for Children. He currently is a delegate to the Ohio Dental Association from the Columbus Dental Society, where he served as president in 2008 and vice president of the Ohio Dental Association.

Casamassimo has received numerous professional, humanitarian and teaching awards in his career. He is board-certified in pediatric dentistry and practices at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where he is a past-president of the medical staff. Casamassimo has authored over 300 publications, including three books, 31 text chapters and seven monographs in the areas of pediatric dentistry, care of children with special health care needs and dental education.

In response to his appointment, Dr. Casamassimo stated, "We have many challenges facing us as a nation, including eliminating oral health disparities in our children. The Policy Center's purpose is to push the agenda of pediatric oral health with sound policy, watchful opinions, and meaningful and compassionate participation at the table of change. This is a position everyone passionate about children would love to have, and I feel fortunate to have this opportunity."

For more information on POHRPC developments and initiatives, please visit http://www.aapd.org/policycenter/.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not-for-profit membership organization representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. AAPD's 8,000 members are predominately pediatric dentists and primary care providers who deliver comprehensive specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and individuals with special health care needs. As advocates for children's oral health, the AAPD aims to promote the use of evidence-based policies and guidelines, foster research concerning pediatric oral health, and educate health care providers and the public to improve children's oral health. For further information, please visit the AAPD website at www.aapd.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry