The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) appointed Noel K. Childers, DDS, MS, PhD, as its new editor-in-chief, according to a press release dated June 6.
Childers succeeds N. Sue Seale-Coll, DDS, MSD, who served as editor-in-chief for nine years before retiring. Dr. Childers previously served on the association’s editorial board and was a section editor for Pediatric Dentistry. He is currently the Joseph F. Volker professor and chair of the department of pediatric dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry.
Childers will oversee the publication of AAPD’s two journals, Pediatric Dentistry and the Journal of Dentistry for Children.
“I look forward to continuing the excellent history of our journals as the premier publications for pediatric dentistry,” Childers said. “I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the AAPD through participation on the editorial board and as section editor for more than 20 years and find this opportunity to be a tremendous honor and privilege.”
Childers is a board certified pediatric dentist, and his research interest involves the microbiology, immunology and epidemiology of dental caries. With over 30 years in his academic career at UAB, Childers has a longstanding history of external research support (NIH) and over 50 peer-reviewed publications.
He is also active in clinical and teaching activities for graduate and dental students at the School of Dentistry, Civitan-Sparks Center for the Developmentally Disabled and Children's Hospital of Alabama.
AAPD President Dr. Joseph Castellano said, “I am excited that Dr. Noel Childers will serve as AAPD’s new editor-in-chief. Dr. Childers’ experience with and knowledge of the editorial process makes him the perfect person to fill the role of editor. I know his dedication and attention to detail will keep our journal at the forefront of pediatric dental literature.”
As advocates for children’s oral health, the AAPD promotes evidence-based policies and clinical recommendations. Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Its 10,500 members provide primary care and comprehensive dental specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and individuals with special health care needs.
