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Dr. Martin F. Land, professor of fixed prosthodontics at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM), was awarded the George M. Moulton Award for outstanding achievement in the Art and Science of Fixed Prosthodontics at the 66^th Annual Scientific Session of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics in Chicago.   

The prestigious award is the highest honor bestowed by the Academy and recognizes members who have made a significant impact and contributions to the art and science of fixed prosthodontics and have demonstrated lifetime service to the field. Dr. Moulton, one of the visionary founders of the Academy, its first secretary and sixth president, was the first recipient of the award in 1992.

“We have to connect with our students and earn their trust to be able to involve them actively in the learning process,” said Land, a native of The Netherlands. “I have been fortunate to learn from many great teachers and mentors. But if I am indeed a good teacher, it is because I have learned from the greatest teachers of them all: my students.”

“Receiving an award of this magnitude is certainly an honor for Dr. Land,” said Dr. Bruce Rotter, dean of the SIU SDM. “The School of Dental Medicine takes pride in the accomplishments of its faculty, and we congratulate Dr. Land on this remarkable achievement.”

Dr. Jane Brewer, clinical associate professor and chair of restorative dentistry at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York, took note of a number of Land’s accomplishments as she introduced him during the annual ceremony:

• In 1993, Land became head of fixed prosthodontics at the SIU SDM and served as chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry from 1995 to 2002
• Land has authored more than 50 refereed publications, research abstracts, and chapters, and is co-author and editor of “Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics” now in its fifth edition and translated in 10 languages
• He received the 2005 Stephen H. Leeper Award in recognition of innovation and excellence in dental education, awarded by the Supreme Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon

In addition to his service to the Academy, his contributions include serving as chair of the Section of Fixed Prosthodontics of the American Association of Dental Schools, president of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Nu Xi Chapter, board member and president of the John F. Johnston Society for the Advancement of Prosthodontics, and board member, parliamentarian, and 2008 president of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.

Land earned his initial dental degree in 1975 from Rijks University Utrecht in The Netherlands. He served as an assistant professor of fixed prosthodontics and occlusion from the University of Florida in Gainesville from 1978-1982. Before arriving in Alton, he was appointed director of postgraduate prosthodontics specialty training in 1982 at Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry and then named chair of fixed prosthodontics in 1983.

Photo (L-R): Dr. Stephen F. Rosenstiel, professor emeritus at The Ohio State University and AAFP Secretary, Dr. Martin Land, Dr. Jane Brewer, chair of restorative dentistry at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine SUNY and Moulton committee chair, Dr. Gerry Santulli, chief of prosthodontics at Pentagon Tri-Service Dental Clinic and 2017 AAFP President.