The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is pleased to announce that Texas dentist Brian Mealey, DDS, MS, a clinical professor in the department of periodontics at the University of Texas (UT) Health School of Dentistry in San Antonio, Texas, is the recipient of the Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award. Dr. Mealey has an exceptional background in dentistry that encompasses years of leadership in dentistry education.

The prestigious Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry or who has enhanced the principles and goals of AGD and made exceptional efforts in promoting these ideals. Named for the founding father of AGD, the Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award is presented annually to a dedicated educator who embodies the spirit of comprehensive dental care. This recipient is a professional role model whose activities exemplify a commitment to the profession of dentistry and the principles and goals of AGD.

“Dr. Mealy is an exceptional leader in dentistry and values the opportunities to collaborate with general dentists,” said Gerald J, Botko, DMD, MAGD, AGD President. “His esteemed biography highlights his years of commitment to making sure that dentists have the knowledge and resources needed to be dental leaders. His dedication and passion of wanting dentists to have access to dental education exemplifies the reason the Dr. Thaddeus V.Weclew award exist.”

Dr. Mealy was the graduate program director in periodontics for over 15 years, and, before that, he served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force as both a general dentist and a periodontist. He was the chair of the department of periodontics at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio and the program director of the Air Force Periodontics Residency.

Dr. Mealy is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a former director of the board and former trustee of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). He is a fellow of the International College of Dentists. He is co-editor and author of two textbooks in periodontics and has published 30 textbook chapters and over 100 articles in the scientific literature. Dr. Mealey has devoted his dental career to the tasks of learning and teaching, and he continues to maintain an active clinical practice in periodontics and implantology. He is the recipient of the 2021 UT Health San Antonio Presidential Teaching Excellence Award, the 2019 AAP Distinguished Service Award, the 2018 AAP Outstanding Educator Award, the 2017 UT Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award, and the 2012 William J. Gies Periodontology Award, among others.
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