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Historical Perspective:
The American Academy of Cariology (AAC)

The Early Years

With the goal of reducing the incidence and impact of dental caries for all, and promoting science-based disease management, eight cariologists met in Chicago on August 7-8, 2015, to launch a new academy of science. The founders developed an ambitious plan that would emphasize the promotion of oral health across the lifespan through research, education, advocacy and innovative caries management strategies. The organizers agreed on a name for the Academy, as well as Vision and Mission statements and thus established the American Academy of Cariology (AAC). The AAC was officially incorporated on May 24, 2016 as a nonprofit organization in the United States.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to eradicate dental caries in the United States through the promotion of science-based disease management.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to be the leading interprofessional organization that advocates and supports development and integration of cariology to promote oral health, with focus on 1) research, 2) professional and community education, and 3) science-based caries management for individuals and communities.

Meet Our Founders

University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Margherita Fontana, DDS, PhD – Founder, and first President

University of Michigan School of Dentistry
University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry

Peter Rechmann, DMD, PhD – Founder, and first Treasurer

University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry
University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Sandra Guzmán-Armstrong DDS, MS – Founder, and first Secretary

University of Iowa College of Dentistry
University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry

John D.B. Featherstone, MSc, PhD – Founder, and first Pillar Chair of Caries-related Research

University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry
University of Washington School of Dentistry

Rebecca Slayton, DDS, PhD – Founder, and first Pillar Chair of Interprofessional Collaboration

University of Washington School of Dentistry
New York University College of Dentistry

Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD – Founder, and first Pillar Chair of Professional and Community Education

New York University College of Dentistry
University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Douglas Young, DDS, EdD, MS, MBA – Founder, and first Pillar Chair of Science-based Caries Management

University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Indiana University School of Dentistry

Domenick Zero, DDS, MS – Founder, and first Pillar Chair of Advocacy and Support

Indiana University School of Dentistry

Organizational Structure

Early governance included an executive committee and pillar chairs. Membership was intentionally inclusive, welcoming professionals from diverse backgrounds—dentists, allied health providers, researchers, educators, and corporate partners—who shared a common dedication to advancing oral health through scientific innovation.

The AAC was structured around five foundational pillars:

  1. Interprofessional Collaboration: Fostering partnerships across healthcare disciplines to enhance caries management strategies.
  2. Advocacy and Support: Advocating for policies and practices that prioritize oral health and cariology research.
  3. Caries-related Research: Promoting and funding innovative research to deepen the understanding of caries etiology and treatment.
  4. Professional and Community Education: Providing educational resources to empower practitioners and communities in caries prevention and management.
  5. Science-based Caries Management: Developing and disseminating evidence-based guidelines for effective caries prevention and treatment at individual and community levels.

Introduction of the AAC and Inaugural Conference

The inaugural conference of the AAC was held on October 18, 2017, in conjunction with the American Dental Association (ADA) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. This gathering marked the formal introduction of the AAC to a broad audience interested in its mission and willing to support the AAC to achieve shared goals. Two of the founders, Dr. Mark Wolff and Dr. Domenick Zero, were keynote speakers and presented an overview of “Management of Dental Caries throughout Life”, followed by Dr. Nigel Pitts who provided insight into “AAC and Worldwide Efforts Perspective”.

Attendees at the inaugural conference, 2017
Attendees at the inaugural conference, 2017

Continued Impact and Future Outlook

Since its inception, the AAC has endeavored to cultivate a community united in its mission to eradicate dental caries. Through support of research, education and advocacy, the Academy has made significant strides in advancing the field of cariology. While accommodating some restructuring, the principles of the founding pillars remain strong. As it looks toward the future, the AAC is committed to innovation and excellence, inviting continued engagement and support from its members, sponsors and all those interested in advancing the goals of the organization.

Presidents of the Academy

  1. Margherita Fontana, DDS, PhD 2016 – 2020
  2. Peter Rechmann, DMD, PhD 2020 – 2022
  3. Sandra Guzmán-Armstrong DDS, MS 2022 – 2023
  4. Carlos González-Cabezas, DDS, MS, PhD 2023 – 2024
  5. Marcelle Nascimento, DDS, MS, PhD 2024 –

AAC Annual Conferences

1st – 2017 (October 18) in Atlanta, GA with the American Dental Association.

2nd – 2018 (August 16) in Denver, CO with CAMBRA.

3rd – 2019 (March 15) in Chicago, IL with ADEA, ORCA and ACFF.

4th – 2020 (October 10) held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

5th – 2021 (June 12 and October 23) two webinars served as the annual conference.

6th – 2022 (May 25) in San Diego, CA with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

7th – 2023 (October 4) in San Diego, CA with the Academy of Dental Materials.

8th – 2024 (September 19-20) in Chicago, IL.