Dr. Wayne B. Kaldahl Named Outstanding Periodontal Educator

Wayne B. Kaldahl, DDS, a professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry, received the 2024 Outstanding Periodontal Educator Award from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) during a special ceremony on Nov. 1 at the AAP’s 110th Annual Meeting in San Diego.

This prestigious award recognizes professionals who have made a lasting impact on the field of periodontics and demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and leadership in advancing oral health.

Dr. Kaldahl has been teaching periodontics residents for 45 years and served as the director of the UNMC Periodontics Residency Program at various times between 1987 and 2008.

Paula Cohen Schlemmer, DMD, MS, a clinical instructor and 2024 graduate of the UNMC Periodontics Residency Program, nominated him for the award.

“Dr. Kaldahl has dedicated his career to the periodontal education of dental students, dental hygiene students and residents, and he has produced some of the most influential research in the field of periodontics. He exemplifies what makes Nebraska special—a community of compassionate, skilled periodontists who continually strive to expand their knowledge and improve patient care every day,” Schlemmer said.

Dr. Kaldahl is widely recognized in the field of periodontology as “the king of evidence-based care.” He conceived, designed and led a landmark study titled Evaluation of Four Modalities of Periodontal Therapy, known among periodontists as The Nebraska Studies.

“Dr. Kaldahl is an outstanding clinician and clinical researcher. He has extensive knowledge of the biomedical literature in our field and challenges periodontics residents to think critically about the therapies they provide and to justify their treatment decisions based on scientific literature,” said Jeffrey B. Payne, DDS, MDentSc, a professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry.

“He empowers residents to continually improve their clinical skills by carefully evaluating the outcomes of their patient care. These qualities make Dr. Kaldahl an exceptional teacher and mentor,” Payne said.

Dr. Kaldahl’s current students, former students and colleagues regard him as a source of inspiration.

“Dr. Kaldahl is a foundational figure in the world of periodontics. The Nebraska Studies continue to be some of the most influential and frequently referenced studies in periodontal residencies across the country,” said Amy C. Killeen, DDS, MS, an associate professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry.

“In addition to being a monumental figure in the field, Dr. Kaldahl is one of the most curious individuals I have ever met. His desire to better understand the intricacies of periodontology is unwavering and inspirational to those of us who have been fortunate enough to be his colleagues and students,” Killeen said.