DR TIMOTHY CARLSON
2026 Award of Excellence Recipient
Dr. Timothy Carlson earned his DDS degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) in 1978, graduating with High Distinction. After serving the Bethesda Medical and Dental clinic in Vaudreuil, Haiti, he returned to IUSD in 1980 as an Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry. He earned an MSD in IUSD’s Operative Dentistry program in 1986. After 38 years of service and part-time private practice, Dr. Carlson retired from IUSD in 2018 and is an Emeritus Professor.
During his years at IUSD, Dr. Carlson contributed to the education of over 4,000 dental students and over 100 MSD students and has assigned nearly 14,000 grades in the courses he taught! During his emeritus years, he has continued to provide lectures and staff clinic periodically. Beyond IUSD, Dr. Carlson has provided over 130 presentations or continuing education courses for national and international audiences.
Dr. Carlson has received numerous awards including multiple Indiana University Trustee Teaching awards, the ADA Certificate of Recognition for Meritorious Service, the IUSD Outstanding Faculty Award (twice), the Dr. Lloyd Phillips Distinguished Service Award, the IUSD Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus award, and the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Distinguished Member award.
Of particular importance was the role that Dr. Carlson played in developing IUSD’s Global Service Learning program. He, along with his wife Ann, led 34 student trips to Haiti and Ecuador providing more than 2,000,000 USD worth of dental treatment.
Dr. Carlson has been a member of 12 dental associations and academies, serving as a board member or officer for six of them. His service to the Academy of Operative Dentistry has included the role of Secretary/Treasurer of the Trustees of the Founders Fund. Of major importance, he has been the Managing Editor of Operative Dentistry for 26 years. Michael Cochran and Jeffrey Platt benefited from his continued presence throughout their tenures as Editor of the journal. Now, Kim Diefenderfer has benefited as he transitioned into the Editor role. Dr. Carlson has worked tirelessly to keep this academy supported journal viable and highly respected.
Dr. Carlson remains actively involved in his church and serves as the Vice President of the Board for the Bethesda Medical Center and Dental Clinic in Haiti. One of his greatest joys is the time that he can spend with Ann, their two children and six grandchildren.
The Academy of Operative Dentistry is pleased to present its Award of Excellence to Dr. Timothy Carlson in recognition of his life of teaching and service to his chosen profession.