Dr. Michael Chavez, a first-year resident in the Department of Orthodontics, has been awarded a 2026 American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) Research Aid Award. Notably, his proposal was further distinguished with the Charles J. Burstone Research Aid Award, a recognition granted to only a small, highly selective group of funded projects. This competitive award supports innovative orthodontic research and acknowledges emerging investigators whose work demonstrates significant promise for advancing the field.

Chavez’s research focuses on how a naturally occurring enzyme in the body, Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase, may improve bone healing after tooth extraction. The project seeks to identify biological approaches that could enhance healing and lead to better outcomes for patients.

“I am honored to receive the AAOF support for my master’s research project and am deeply grateful for the recognition,” Chavez says, “My path in dental research and academic dentistry has spanned many years, including research training at the Medical University of South Carolina, PhD training at The Ohio State University, and concurrent completion of my DDS and PhD in 2025 at University of Iowa and Ohio State. I am now continuing that journey through orthodontic residency and master’s training at the University of Iowa, with the goal of building a career as an academic clinician-scientist in orthodontics that bridges discoveries in the lab with better care and treatment outcomes for patients.”

Chavez adds that the project represents an important step toward advancing translational research in orthodontics.

"This award is not only a tremendous honor, but also meaningful motivation as I continue to pursue my dream of a career dedicated to translational research, patient care, and educating new generations yet to come,” he says.

The AAOF is the leading national organization dedicated to advancing orthodontic research, education, and faculty development. Established to strengthen the scientific foundation of orthodontics, the foundation supports high-quality investigations, cultivates future academic leaders, and promotes innovation across the field. Its research grants are among the most prestigious forms of early-career recognition in orthodontics, providing both financial support and a strong endorsement of a scholar’s potential for meaningful scientific contribution.

The AAOF Research Award will provide funding to support Chavez’s master’s research and further his efforts to translate scientific discovery into improved clinical outcomes in orthodontic care.