2003 Martin Dewey Memorial Award
Narrative of the presentation given by Dr. Larson R. Keso
Recipient: Dr. B. Melvin DeSoto
Dr. Martin Dewey, dentist, orthodontist, physician, author (more than 100 published articles and three books), founding editor of the International Journal of Orthodontia (now AJODO) in 1915 and editor to 1932, and educator (faculty member at three dental colleges and founder of the Dewey School of Orthodontia 1911-1933). He was also a founding member of the ABO in 1929, President of the American Society of Orthodontists in 1922, President of the ADA in 1932, an aviator, and frequent lecturer to and honorary member of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists.
This morning, by recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of one of our members, we honor the memory of Dr. Dewey, a remarkable man whose career was cut short at the age of 52.
The Dewey Memorial Award was established in 1953 at the annual SWSO meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas. Fifty years later, our honoree is an Arkansas native.
Mel DeSoto was born in El Dorado. He attended the University of Texas for undergraduate, dental and orthodontic studies. Following graduation in 1967, he established a private practice in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Mel has a strong history of active participation in the Louisiana Dental Association and was president of the Louisiana Orthodontic Society. His activities in the Southwestern Society include eight years as delegate to the AAO, Secretary-Treasurer, Second Vice-President, AAO Council on Insurance, and trustee to the AAO from 1996 to the present. Mel’s studiousness and grasp of issues, along with a natural talent for negotiation, earned him the respect of his peers in the House of Delegates. The SWSO subsequently asked him to serve as chairman of the delegation for several years.
His professional attributions include the usual dental and orthodontic organizations, CDABO, ABO Diplomate, Charles Tweed Study Group of Texas, and Fellow, American College of Dentists.
In 2003, the AAO House of Delegates elected him to the office of Secretary/Treasurer of the AAO, a post he currently holds.
Despite his long history as a contributor to our profession and specialty, our honoree has not shirked his civic responsibilities. His memberships include the YMCA, Rotary, Southern Trace Country Club, and the First Assembly of God church. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Oral Surgery Department of the Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport.
This man for all seasons is an instrument-rated pilot, a medical mission volunteer, enjoys skiing, motorcycling, tennis, canoeing, and is a member of the AAO Board of Trustees Committee G.
In a short year and a half, Mel will become the seventh AAO President from the Southwestern Society. Having the opportunity to present this most prestigious award to my friend and colleague is a singular honor. I thank the Society for allowing me to do so.
Mel, on behalf of the officers, board of directors and the membership of the Southwestern Society, it gives me great pleasure to present to you this token of your selection as the 2003 Martin Dewey Memorial Award recipient.
This paper was presented at the 2003 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.