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A Helping Hand by Arselia Gales, Assistant Editor

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In the dental field, many doctors are dedicated to helping those in need and providing the best care possible. However, some go above and beyond.

Since 2011, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) has made it a priority to recognize outstanding orthodontists for doing just that.

Earlier this year, Dr. Joseph C. (Chris) Cole was presented the 2015 Humanitarian Award at AAO's 115th Annual Session in San Francisco. According to the AAO, the award recognizes individuals who have made "significant contributions to improve the quality of human life that extends beyond the usual scope of private practice, academic functions or organized dentistry."

Cole, who practices at Cole Orthodontic Associates in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, was recognized for a body of humanitarian work that comprises more than 35 years of dental mission trips, through which he assists underserved patients in developing countries.

Cole was still in dental school when he volunteered for his first trip, a 1976 mission to Haiti through Ministries in Action. He subsequently went on more annual trips, and served on the group's board of directors for four years.

"Once you get a taste of helping others, it becomes a part of your life," Cole said.



In addition to his work with Ministries in Action, Cole volunteered with Hearts for Haiti, a Christian organization that seeks to help Haitians in need. As a volunteer, Cole traveled to many remote areas that did not have electricity.

In 2003, instability throughout Haiti made it impossible for Cole to continue his work there, so he joined Meeting God in Mission and now makes annual trips to the Dominican Republic. He works primarily in rural areas, treating sugarcane cutters.

In 2010, he and his team purchased a generator-powered, portable dental unit. It enables volunteers to perform restorative work—an improvement on prior trips.

"This isn't just about me," Cole said.





He adamantly stressed the importance of his family and friends, who supported him throughout his entire career. Without them, he said, he wouldn't be able to accomplish as much. He is especially grateful for his wife, Maureen, who took care of their four children while he went on mission trips. These days, his family and extended family often join him in the field. He also likes to have dental and hygiene students come along—he believes the experience is instrumental in their growth as students and as people. Many high-school and college students accompany the teams, as well.

When Cole learned that he was nominated for the award, and later, that he won, he had mixed feelings. He confessed to feeling elated, but at the same time, he realized that his work is merely "a drop in the bucket." Much more can be done, Cole said. He and his crew try to make at least one trip per year to a developing country. In January of this year, they returned to the Dominican Republic.

How did Cole get so involved? What inspired him to go to Haiti when he was just a dental-school student?

"I grew up in a family where helping others was considered positive. I had great role models," he said, adding that his faith also plays a big role in the work he does.

In addition to providing aid to underserved communities, Cole is a member of a plethora of organizations, including the AAO, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

While he spends a majority of his free time helping others abroad, Dr. Cole is also an active participant in his local community. Through an Elk County prison ministry, Cole works with local churches to coordinate a program supporting inmates both while they are incarcerated and after they are released. He also coaches youth and high school soccer.

After graduating cum laude from Allegheny College, Cole received his DMD from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. His general practice residency was completed at Tufts University, and he holds a certificate in orthodontics from Boston University. Cole has been in private practice since 1980.

In his free time, Cole enjoys biking, hiking and running.

For more information on the AAO Humanitarian Award, go to AAOinfo.org/about/awards.



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September 2025
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