Clarkson New AADR President

The first abstract he submitted was rejected.

Now, 40 years later, Dr. Brian Clarkson is the president of the organization that rejected his research summary, the American Association for Dental Research.

"How's that for irony?" he asked rhetorically.

In April, Clarkson became president of the 4,000-member organization whose goal is to advance research that improves oral health in the U.S. AADR is the largest component of the International Association for Dental Research.

Now serving a one-year term as president, Clarkson said he's been preparing for the role for the past two years, first as vice president, and then as president-elect. "However, when I become past president next spring, I will still have an opportunity to serve in a leadership role and try to influence the direction of the organization," he said.

Presenting "the best science"

As president, Clarkson said one of the primary issues he wants to address is expanding how information is conveyed about new research discoveries that are taking place across the country.

"Very good science is being presented at our meetings," he said. "However, I believe we need to find ways to have all the best science presented at our sessions."

Because dental research is such a vast field, in recent years, news about research in many "niche" areas has been missing.

"Findings in these niche areas need to be brought to the attention of a larger group of scientists," Clarkson said. "For example, discoveries in microbiology not only appeal to microbiologists, but I believe, could be of interest to a larger group of dental researchers which, in turn, could ultimately help patients."

Continuity and Student Participation

Clarkson said one issue he wants to address as president is continuity.

"I hope we can establish better links between our plenary sessions and symposia that follow," Clarkson said. "I would like for us to use the momentum and enthusiasm that's generated during these sessions to ultimately develop a continuous flow of information that can be used, for example, at regional or local conferences or seminars."

He also hopes to increase interaction among organization members.

"AADR offers students many opportunities to talk to their colleagues from around the country about what they're doing as well as opportunities to talk to senior investigators who are engaged in novel dental and craniofacial research," he said. "I also think that when you put these two items together, you can enhance your own career."

Discussing his career, Clarkson said the encouragement he received from his mentor following the rejection of his research abstract was important to his professional growth and development.

As a student at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York, Clarkson said "I was quite nervous about breaking the rejection news to my mentor, Dr. Basil Bibby, the director of the dental center and the father of modern cariology."

"But after I told Dr. Bibby, he told me not to worry because his first abstract was also refused. He then advised me to keep trying because, ultimately, I would succeed. His calm demeanor and advice made a big difference, and I hope that's something I can do when I have to tell students that their abstracts won't be used at one of our sessions," Clarkson said.