American Academy of Gold Foil Operators' 2013 Clinician of the Year Award

When Mr Vic Williams, then president of Williams Gold Company, started this award many years ago; he wanted to recognize a younger clinician who is a member of the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, was using direct gold in the office, and publishing articles on direct gold as well as its advocation in teaching of dental students. I have known and worked with this year's recipient for Clinician of the Year Award for over twenty years. I have seen his epiphany from the dark side of dentistry to seeing the light of gold. He has seen and learned the value that direct and cast gold teaches and how it affects all of the other materials used in restorative dentistry today. He not only started a Tucker Cast Gold Study Club on the East Coast some twenty years ago but was very instrumental in the formation of four other gold study clubs, one of which emphasized direct gold restorations; two of which he mentors.

He was born and raised in New York City, got his BS degree from Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania before going to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where he graduated with a DMD in 1973. He was also president of his dental school class.

He started an elective course for cast and direct gold in the New Jersey Dental School about twelve years ago. He is still actively involved in teaching the course. It has become one of the most sought after courses in the dental school curriculum by the students. There is always a waiting list of students desiring to take the course and have a direct gold restoration placed in their mouths.

He has not only been a prolific writer and lecturer on both direct and cast gold techniques but has given numerous hands-on courses to stimulate the benefits of gold and hands-on study club learning.

This year's recipient has a lovely supportive wife Pat and three wonderful grown children; one of which is in practice with him. He has become a refined operator and has learned to appreciate the effort needed to become one. He himself has belonged to a direct and cast gold study club for over twenty years.

He has been an officer of this Academy, R V Tucker Academy, and will be going through the chairs of the Operative Academy. He has also been very active in the Academy of General Dentistry and the L D Pankey Institute in Florida.

He is a member in good standing of this academy as well as of the Restorative, Operative, Tucker and General Dentistry academies. He has contributed and been deeply involved in all of the organizations to which he belongs.

I could go on and on about the exploits of this individual in the dental field but I think it is time to announce the recipient of this years Clinician of the Year Award which goes to Dr Bruce W. Small.