The Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award was established to perpetuate Dr. Earl E. Shepard's outstanding accomplishments and to show appreciation for his many contributions as first Executive Director of the ABO. Upon Wilma S. Shepard's death in 1989, the award name was changed to include Mrs. Shepard inasmuch as she was so integrated in her husband's many efforts toward fulfilling the goals of the Board.

This award recognizes an individual for outstanding dedication and advancement of the ideals and mission of The American Board of Orthodontics. Nominations for this award are submitted by the ABO Directors.

Shepard Award Recipients

2008 - Peter Buschang
2008 - Larry Tadlock
2006 - George D. Selfridge

1987 - 2004 Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Award of Distinction

Prior to June 1, 2004, this award was presented annually in recognition of the highest achievement in the ABO Written Examination.

Shepard Award of Distinction Recipients

1987 James E. Buckthal
1988 Brent E. Larson
1989 Thomas W. Butterfoss
1990 Samuel M. Meller
1991 Alan J. Ostertag
1992 Joel D. Ware, Jr.
1993 Ross W. Stryker
1994 Charles R. Macon
1995 Brett J. Hill
1996 Michael S. Mosling
1997 Numa W. Cobb III
1998 Llewellyn B. Sample
1999 Mark A. Todd
2000 Jacklyn R. Kurth
2001 Paul W. Sproul
2002 Carol A. Lindsey and Monica A. Teredesai
2003 Tyler W. Ferris
2004 Grant G. Coleman