Pierpont receives top honor from American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics

H. Philip “Phil” Pierpont, DDS, professor and alumnus of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, has been named the 2026 George H. Moulton Award recipient from the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics. Photo by Kyle Rogers.

From left: Bryan McLaughlin DMD, MPH, chair of the Moulton Award Committee; H. Philip “Phil” Pierpont, DDS; and Daher Queiroz, DDS, MS, PhD.

Alumnus H. Philip “Phil” Pierpont, DDS, professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, received the 2026 George H. Moulton Award from the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.

The award was presented Feb. 20 at the Annual Member and Guest Luncheon during the AAFP’s 75th Annual Scientific Session, attended by more than 600 members and guests.

The Moulton Award is the academy’s highest honor, recognizing members who have made significant contributions to the art and science of fixed prosthodontics and demonstrated lifetime service to the field. The award recognizes recipients for career achievements of an exemplary nature and singular dedication to the discipline of fixed prosthodontics and to the AAFP.

In accepting the honor, Pierpont reflected on the mentors, colleagues, and professional community that shaped his career. He recalled attending his first AAFP meeting in 1981 as a young faculty member, where he met George H. Moulton, DDS, for whom the award is named.

“As I walked into that large meeting room in 1981, I felt humility that bordered on intimidation,” Pierpont said. “But those feelings quickly shifted to exhilaration and motivation as I was welcomed by iconic educators, researchers, clinicians, and innovators who became mentors and friends.”

Pierpont credited those leaders with guiding his professional development and opening doors throughout his career.

“I stand before you feeling honored, humbled, and deeply grateful. I would never have been able to see this far without being allowed to stand on their shoulders,” he said.

Pierpont also recognized colleagues who have helped preserve the organization’s legacy, noting ongoing collaboration and partnership efforts within the specialty, and expressed gratitude to his wife, Amy, for her support.

He concluded his remarks with a message of appreciation for the community gathered in the room.

“Today, I am celebrating my life with this academy and with you, my friends,” Pierpont said. “Thank you for granting me the opportunity to celebrate this honor, humility, and gratitude.”

Named for George H. Moulton, DDS, a founding member of the AAFP, its first secretary, sixth president, and the award’s inaugural recipient, the honor recognizes individuals whose careers reflect exceptional contributions through scholarship, innovation, leadership, and sustained professional service.

Pierpont’s career spans decades of leadership in dental education and organized dentistry.

A graduate of the School of Dentistry, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and later completed a postgraduate certificate in fixed prosthodontics.

He has served in numerous leadership roles across his 49 years on the faculty, including associate dean for student and alumni affairs, chair of the Department of Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontics, and director of advanced education.

Beyond the institution, he has held prominent roles in professional organizations, including serving as president of the AAFP and the Texas Section of the International College of Dentists, as well as leadership positions within the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Greater Houston Dental Society.