Dr. Kaitrin Kramer is the recipient of the 2020 AAO Craniofacial Anomalies and Special Care Training Award.

The award program, established in 2010, is designed to help stimulate interest in orthodontic education careers specializing in the care of patients with craniofacial abnormalities.The AAO provides the recipient with a one-time, $30,000 award to help offset expenses during post-residency craniofacial care fellowship training.*

Dr. Kramer, a native of suburban Chicago, completed her undergraduate education at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She received a PhD from The University of Illinois at Chicago and her dental (DDS) degree from the University of Michigan. She then went on to the orthodontic residency program at The Ohio State University.

“I am very excited to be starting as the Craniofacial Orthodontic Fellow at the University of Michigan this July,” says Dr. Kramer, whose interest in craniofacial orthodontics began when she was a dental student spending time with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry craniofacial team.

“The team-oriented approach that I observed provided efficient, high quality patient-centered care and helped solidify my aspiration to pursue a career in craniofacial orthodontics,” she says. “Through mentorship, case presentations and classes during my orthodontic residency, I have been able to understand the complexity and care that goes into treating these patients and their families over the course of decades.”

Dr. Kramer’s key research interest is suture stem cell function in craniosynostosis.

“My clinical training will give me the opportunity to treat patients while also conducting research exploring the mechanisms behind craniofacial anomalies,” she says. The 12-month UM fellowship will also include training in diagnosis of growth and development and interdisciplinary treatment planning for craniofacial patients.**

“I am especially grateful for the opportunity to treat this special group of patients and thankful for the support from the AAO to pursue my academic career goals,” says Dr. Kramer.

* Requirements for the AAO Craniofacial Anomalies and Special Care Training Award include graduation from a U.S. or Canadian accredited orthodontic program; current or imminent enrollment in a CODA-accredited Craniofacial Anomalies and Special Care program; appointment as a full-time faculty member; AAO membership; and citizenship of the United States or Canada (or are actively pursuing citizenship).

** University of Michigan School of Dentistry. “Craniofacial Orthodontics Fellowship Graduate Program.” Retrieved from https://dent.umich.edu/education/craniofacial-orthodontics-fellowship-graduate-program-non-degree