ABO awards the Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Eldon Bills

 

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) awarded Dr. Eldon D. Bills of Lake Montezuma, Ariz., the Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award Saturday, May 4 at the annual luncheon of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics (CDABO), which was held in conjunction with the 2013 Annual Session of the American Association of Orthodontists in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award was established to perpetuate Dr. Earl Shepard’s outstanding accomplishments and to show appreciation for his many contributions as the first executive director of the ABO and those of his wife, Wilma, who was highly involved with her husband’s efforts to fulfill the ABO’s goals. This award recognizes an individual for outstanding dedication and advancement of the ideals and mission of the ABO.

“I first became acquainted with Dr. Bills years ago through the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists (RMSO) and have always been impressed with his dedication to orthodontics, which he demonstrated with his service and initiative,” said Dr. Marvin Kastrop, the 2012-2013 president of the ABO. “His leadership, dedication and vision were outstanding in the RMSO, ABO, the Edward H. Angle Society, and local and state dental organizations. Dr. Bills is a true giver to others in his personal life and dental profession.”

Dr. Bills was involved with the ABO for many years. He has been a diplomate of the ABO since 1970 and has been a member of CDABO since 1984. In 1990, he was elected to serve as a director for the ABO, where he represented the RMSO. He served as president of the ABO from 1997 to 1998. He is also a past examiner for the ABO Clinical Examination.

“My years of service with the ABO were most certainly a highlight of my career,” Dr. Bills said. “It was an enjoyable experience that allowed me to work hard for a profession I love. I truly appreciate this award.”

In addition to his service with the ABO, he is a past president of the Northern Arizona Dental Society, the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, the Angle Southwest Component of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists, the International Interdisciplinary Study Group, and the RMSO. Dr. Bills served as treasurer for the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists for 14 years. He is also a charter and founding member of the Arizona Orthodontic Study Group, and a fellow of the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Bills completed his master’s degree and certificate in orthodontics in 1961 at the University of Iowa and established his private orthodontic practice in Flagstaff and Page, Ariz. He retired from his orthodontic practice in 2004. Dr. Bills also served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps for two years and the U.S. Navy Reserve for 30 years. He retired with the rank of captain in 1985.