Dr. William Robert Proffit

William Robert Proffit, an adored and respected orthodontic educator, author and speaker. He began his research, clinical practice, and teaching career in 1960s. His emphasis on science and the role of evidence in decision-making introduced evidence-based orthodontics. His textbook, Contemporary Orthodontics, the standard used in dental schools throughout the world, which has been published in 12 languages. He co-authored Contemporary Treatment of Dentofacial Deformity with Dr. Raymond P. White. Jr. and Dr. David M. Sarver and other book on surgical orthodontic treatment with Raymond P. white Jr. He published numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and more than 50 book chapters and invited contributions. He was the Kenan Distinguished Professor of Orthodontics at the University of North Carolina and was a Chair Person of that department from 1975 to 2001. He was recognized for excellence in clinical research. He was appropriately recognized in 2017 as the first recipient of the AAO's lifetime achievement award. On September 30, 2018, the orthodontic specialty lost one of its most prolific contributors with the sudden death of William R. Proffit at the age of 82.