Dr. Henry W. Fields, Jr., Selected for the 2023 Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award by The American Board of Orthodontics
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) has named Henry W. Fields, Jr., D.D.S., M.S., M.S.D., of New Albany, Ohio, as the recipient of the 2023 Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award.
The award recognizes an individual for outstanding dedication and advancement of the ideals and mission of the ABO. It 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. The award was presented on April 24 at the ABO Awards Night in Chicago held in conjunction with the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session.
Dr. Fields is professor emeritus in the Division of Orthodontics at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He was orthodontic division chair from 2006-2020, including the years 2013-2020 as Vig-Williams Endowed Chair in Orthodontics. He joined Ohio State in 1991 as dean of the College of Dentistry and continued in that role through 2001.
He also has been chief of the Section of Orthodontics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, since 2006. Prior to joining Ohio State, Dr. Fields was a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and for five years was graduate program director for pediatric dentistry.
Dr. Fields has authored or co-authored more than 120 scientific articles as well as numerous books and book chapters, and has lectured worldwide. He serves as a reviewer for several journals, including the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, The Angle Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentistry. His current research interests include child dental behavior, vertical facial development, orthodontic diagnostic and treatment methods, and health literacy and informed consent.
Dr. Fields is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is active in many dental and orthodontic organizations at the national, state, and local levels. He is a past president of the Ohio Dental Association and the Columbus Dental Society.
Dr. Fields earned his dental degree and a master's in pediatric dentistry from the University of Iowa. He then completed a master's in orthodontics at the University of Washington.
On receiving the award, Dr. Fields said, “Thank you for this award. I appreciate the recognition. I have been lucky, professionally. At many points, people have taken me aside and told or showed me what was possible and expected me to help make it happen. Everyone can benefit from these demonstrations of confidence. I hope others do it for those with potential. Do not be too proud to accept the invitation to advance our profession.”