AAID Acknowledges Jack A. Hahn, DDS: A Leader, Educator, and Innovator

On Friday, June 12, 2015, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) honored Dr “Jack” A. Hahn with the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was a proper tribute to one of implant dentistry's most dedicated champions. As the history of implant dentistry continues to be written, Jack will be mentioned as one of the outstanding dental implant practitioners, leaders, educators, and innovators of our time. Jack has shared his talents with the entire dental community by teaching all dentists, regardless of their specialty status, and has always emphasized to do what is right. Several outstanding clinicians and individuals were called upon to honor Jack, including Drs Duke Heller, Paul Kozy, David Resnick, Richard Guaccio, Joe Orrico, Craig Cooper, David Vassos, Jack Krauser, and Kim Gowey, and each one of them commended him for his innovations and teaching skills and for his way of doing things with a flare that created great memories for everyone involved.

Jack has enjoyed a distinguished 45-year career of practicing implant dentistry in Cincinnati, Ohio. He developed the highly successful NobelReplace dental implant and recently partnered with another implant-innovator, Jim Glidewell, owner and founder of Glidewell Laboratories, to develop the Hahn Tapered Implant.

Jack has been a major contributor to the field, as evidenced by his many publications. He coauthored the well-received text “Dental Implants – The Art and Science” with Drs Charles Babbush, Jack Krauser, and Joel Rosenlicht. He has also contributed to the peer-reviewed literature by publishing multiple articles over the course of his career.^1–6 

Jack did not walk the road to significance by himself. Jack's wife, Barbara, has always been at his side offering support, advice, and love for Jack in his endeavors. The Hahns' kindness and leadership extends beyond the boundaries of implant dentistry. The Cincinnati Opera recently honored Jack and Barbara for being long-time supporters at a Gala Evening in Cincinnati. Barbara served on the board of the Cincinnati Opera Guild for 12 years and was honored as the 2011 “Woman of the Year” with a special recognition of her wide-ranging service through volunteering. Many people, within both our profession and the greater community, love and appreciate Jack and Barbara.

On a personal note: I want to thank Jack for always being supportive of me and encouraging me to move forward with implant dentistry. Jack has helped my family and countless patients in my practice. Thanks, Jack. May you and Barbara enjoy each and every day!