Dr. David Sarver Receives the 2025 Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award from the American Board of Orthodontics
David McKendree Sarver, D.M.D., M.S. of Birmingham, Alabama is the recipient of the 2025 Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award, from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). It is awarded annually to an individual who has made a notable contribution to the science and art of orthodontics and is the ABO’s highest honor.
Dr. Sarver is the Adjunct Professor, Department of Orthodontics at both the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and UAB School of Dentistry, where he is in his 33rd year on the faculty. Previously, he served as Director of Surgical-Orthodontic Teaching and Clinical Programs, University of Alabama School of Dentistry, and Surgical Consultant to the Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.
Dr. Sarver is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and served a seven-year term beginning in 1988 on its Council on Library Resources. Dr. Sarver was State Director for Alabama of American Association of Orthodontists Foundation from 1990-1993 and Regent of AAOF in 1998.
Dr. Sarver has authored 2 and co-authored 4 professional books, contributed chapters to 20 books, co-authored 80 research papers, and given more than 450 presentations on a wide variety of orthodontics topics to local, state, national and international professional associations, including the American Association of Orthodontics. He has been a member of the Midwestern Component of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists since 1998 and served as President in 2003-2004. He also served as Chairman of the Study Committee from 1998-2001.
Dr. Sarver developed computer software in 1996 in collaboration with Ormco Corp. and Simstar Corp. to aid orthodontists in visualizing and planning both orthodontic and surgical treatment plans. This software also facilitates patients’ envisioning their anticipated outcomes. He also developed diagnostic, databasing and communication video imaging software called the Sarver Esthetic Analysis Module with Carestream Dental which digitizes the macro-, mini-, and micro esthetic features of a patient's face, smile and teeth.
Dr. Sarver received his doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Alabama, School of Dentistry in 1977, where he was selected as the Outstanding Professional Student in the University of Alabama Medical Center as well as the Outstanding Student in the School of Dentistry. He earned his Certificate and M.S. in Orthodontics at the University of North Carolina in 1979. His undergraduate degree is in Chemistry from Auburn University.