The AAO community is mourning the loss of Dr. Rolf “Buzz” Behrents, who passed away on April 24.

Dr. Behrents served as editor-in-chief of the AJO-DO from 2014 to 2025, and led the development and launch of the AJO-DO Clinical Companion, which debuted in 2021. In conjunction with his position as editor-in-chief, Dr. Behrents was a member of the AAO Board of Trustees.

Author of more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals, many focusing on facial growth, Dr. Behrents taught over 400 residents, with nearly 50 of his former residents having also become orthodontic educators (including 10 full-time faculty and three program chairs).

An orthodontic educator and administrator from 1978-2018, Dr. Behrents retired as the Lysle E. Johnston Professor of Orthodontics and director of the orthodontic program at Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education. He previously held Chairman appointments at the University of Tennessee, Baylor College of Dentistry and Case Western Reserve University, where he completed the orthodontic residency program. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Michigan, as well as a PhD.

“Dr. Behrents was more than just an educator. He touched the lives of so many of his students and orthodontists, not only in the United States, but throughout the world,” said AAO President Dr. Steven Siegel. “He was a good natured and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. His contribution to orthodontics is immeasurable. I feel fortunate to have known Buzz as a friend and mentor and will miss him.”

Dr. Behrents is the 2026 recipient of the AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research. He was scheduled to speak at this year’s Annual Session on Sunday, May 3, but that event has been cancelled.
View Dr. Behrents’ Award Biography Video

Dr. Behrents’ many other awards have included the 2022 Albert H. Ketcham Award from the American Board of Orthodontics and the Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teaching and Research Award from the AAO Foundation (2011). He also received an honorary degree from the University of Athens (2000).

Dr. Behrents is survived by his wife, Eileen; their daughter, AAO member Dr. Jenna Behrents Walburn; their son, Dr. Nathaniel Behrents (an endodontist); and five grandchildren.