Dr. Larry P. Tadlock, head of orthodontics at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, received the James E. Brophy Award from the American Association of Orthodontics for his service to the profession.
Dr. Larry P. Tadlock of Colleyville, head of orthodontics at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, received the James E. Brophy Award April 30 at the American Association of Orthodontists’ annual session in Orlando, Florida. The award is given annually to an orthodontist who renders distinguished service to orthodontics and the AAO. Tadlock, a graduate of the then-Baylor College of Dentistry Class of 1984, served as general chair of the 2022 AAO Annual Session. He also served as director of the American Board of Orthodontics from 2011 to 2020 and was ABO president from 2018 to 2019.
“Serving as a director of the ABO is one of the greatest privileges of my professional life,” he said. “Serving as general chair of the 2022 AAO Annual Session was challenging but successful because of the herculean efforts of the AAO staff and other AAO leaders, especially then-AAO President Ken Dilleay.”
Tadlock joined A&M Dentistry’s faculty in 2000 at the urging of Dr. Rolf G. “Buzz” Behrents, who was the orthodontics department’s chairman. Behrents was scheduled to receive the AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research on May 3 at the annual session, but he passed away April 24.
Tadlock, who received both his master’s and an orthodontic specialty certificate from what’s now UTHealth Houston, was in private practice in Keller and North Richland Hills for more than 30 years. He’s received numerous awards, including ABO’s Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics in 2025; it’s presented to a senior clinician and board-certified orthodontist who demonstrates exceptional dedication to orthodontics. “This national recognition reflects Dr. Tadlock’s long-standing commitment to excellence in orthodontic education and service to the profession,” said Dr. Lily T. García, dean of A&M College of Dentistry. “As one of my dental school classmates, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand his dedication and leadership, and I am proud to see him receive the prestigious James E. Brophy Award from the American Association of Orthodontists.”
Orthodontics is the most prevalent dental specialty, the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute reported in 2025. About 5% of U.S. dentists are orthodontists.
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry) in Dallas is a part of Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Health. Founded in 1905, the College of Dentistry is a nationally recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care and continuing dental education. Learn more at dentistry.tamu.edu and follow @TAMUdental.
