The William H. DeKock Distinguished Service Award

In 1985, when Dr. DeKock joined the American Association of Orthodontists Board of Trustees, he had never even traveled abroad. Little did he know that he’d soon be circling the globe, bringing together orthodontists from around the world and profoundly influencing the specialty.

During his year as AAO President in 1995, Dr. DeKock was instrumental in forming the World Federation of Orthodontists and proudly watched as 69 organizations from 62 countries signed the original WFO charter in San Francisco, the site that hosted the signing of the United Nations charter. He then became the first President of the World Federation from 1995 to 2000 and served as its Secretary-General from 2000 to 2015.
Growing up in Iowa, he and his wife Margie married in 1962 and both graduated from the University of Iowa where Bill later earned his dental degree and then his master’s degree while completing his residency in orthodontics. He went on to teach orthodontics part-time there for the following 4 decades.

Dr. DeKock maintained a private practice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 1967 until his retirement in 2002. Throughout his career, he was a very active leader in professional organizations, serving as President of the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists and then as President of the American Association of Orthodontists in 1995, among many other positions in addition to his tireless efforts for the AAO and WFO.

His guidance and leadership helped the World Federation of Orthodontists grow to almost 10,000 members, including 111 affiliate organizations. Working with orthodontic leaders from around the world, Dr. DeKock has been recognized for his many contributions. Those leaders have welcomed him to their meetings, their clinics, private offices and their homes. Bill expressed his privilege to have been involved when the WFO was only an “idea” – an idea that has fostered goodwill and consensus throughout the international orthodontic community. The orthodontic community mourns as Dr DeKock departed this world on August 17, 2024.

In establishing an award recognizing extraordinary service to orthodontics internationally, the Executive Committee of the WFO believed it most appropriate that the award’s namesake be its first recipient.

Dr. Lee W. Graber, past secretary general, and current assistant secretary general of the WFO, received the 2020 William H. DeKock Distinguished Service Award, the highest award presented by the WFO, during the virtual 9th International Orthodontic Congress (October 4-6).

Dr. Graber practices orthodontics in suburban Chicago, Illinois, USA, in a practice started by his father 75 years ago. He has spent years engaged in leadership of the WFO since he served as the organization’s first vice president following its establishment in 1995. He was president of the WFO from 2000-2005.

In addition, Dr. Graber has provided leadership for the American Association of Orthodontists, serving as AAO president for the term 2010-11. He has served on the editorial boards of multiple journals and has contributed to clinical and research literature – in particular, having served as co-editor and co-author of “Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques”, now in its 6th edition.

Dr. Graber received his DDS, MS and PhD degrees from the University of Michigan and completed his orthodontic residency at Northwestern University. He expressed his appreciation for the DeKock Award during the opening ceremonies of the 9th IOC, saying:

“I humbly accept this award on behalf of all those with whom I worked and shared in the achievements of the WFO for over 25 years: For my mentor and this award’s namesake, Bill DeKock; for my colleagues at the American Association of Orthodontists and Midwestern Society of Orthodontists who have allowed me to represent them; for the organization staff members, my practice colleagues and team members; and for the five WFO Executive Committees as well as international academic and association leaders.”

“Of course, special recognition goes to my family, starting with my exemplary parents: A father who loved this specialty and shared with my mother an appreciation of high quality contributions, no matter from where in the world they were sourced. Most of all, this recognition goes to my ever-supportive wife Jane, and our three daughters, Megan, Molly and my practice partner Katie. They have carried the home and office loads while I was permitted to be absent, blessed to work on the noble objectives of this organization. This award is for ALL of you. Thank you!