Dr. James A. McNamara

Ann Arbor, MI - May 19, 2008 - Dr. James McNamara, the Thomas M. and Doris Graber endowed professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, received the prestigious Ketcham Award from the American Board of Orthodontics during its annual session in Denver today.

Named for Dr. Albert H. Ketcham, a pioneer in orthodontics, the award is the highest honor presented annually by the ABO. McNamara was honored for his life long contributions and research that has helped orthodontists better understand craniofacial growth and when treatment should begin for various types of malocclusions.

"Through his research, Jim McNamara has had an immense impact on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches utilized by the entire specialty," said Dr. Allen Moffitt, ABO president. "He has effectively communicated that research to his orthodontic colleagues and shared his philosophical approach to orthodontic therapy. He truly emulates the influence that Dr. Ketcham had on orthodontics."

McNamara earned his dental degree and orthodontic education from the University of California, San Francisco. He moved to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan in 1968 where he received his master's and PhD degrees. He is also a professor of cell and developmental biology with the U-M Medical school and research scientist with the Center for Human Growth and Development.

He has authored 233 articles in scientific journals and authored or co-authored 63 books and monographs, and has given more than 325 lectures in 35 countries. He is also the author of the widely-used textbook, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Previous U-M School of Dentistry recipients of the Ketcham Award include Drs. Lysle Johnston (2001), Robert E. Moyers (1988), and Joseph R. Jarabak (1983).

During his career McNamara has received several prestigious awards including the Milo Hellman Research Award given by the American Association of Orthodontists (1973), the Research Recognition Award of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (1983), the Jacob Salzmann Award from AAO (1994), and the James E. Brophy Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by AAO (2001).

View the video profile of Dr. James McNamara courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit us on the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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