pediatric dentists and orthodon-tists to work in greater harmony. At the beginning of his career, general dentistry and orthodontics were “almost like oil and vinegar,” but in time, the benefits of early treatment became clear and his relationships with colleagues in the field of orthodontics, like the late Marcel Korn, D66, DG70, deepened into friendship, cooper-ation and mutual respect. The goal is for all specialties to converge in a patient-centered approach that Carapezza calls “total pediatric care.” Tufts dental students today receive a training that reflects this philosophy, and he’s proud to have been a part of it. “During my career, orthodon-tics went from the modern age to the space age, and I got to be a pediatric dentist at the beginning of that,” Carapezza said. A Legacy of Friendship and Innovative Care The familial connection between Brehm and Carapezza grew to include their spouses, children and grandchildren. Carapezza recalls with emotion the day he received a call from Brehm’s son, Lindsay, informing him that his friend was in his last days and wished to see him. “I immediately flew to San Diego,” Carapezza said, “and we had a goodbye conversation. He passed away that day.” For Lindsay Brehm, the expan-sion of the fund, and the addition Carapezza’s name, is very fitting. Like his father, the younger Brehm has worked in the field of orthodon-tics, on the business and entrepreneurial side, for decades. “Lenny and my dad were leaders in early treatment in orthodontics, and this fund reflects the love they both had for teaching and early treat-ment. Having that all connected to Tufts, where Lenny taught, is really satisfying for our family.” In Carapezza, the younger Brehm sees many of his father’s traits and values: “Lenny just loves his work, and he’s so committed to practice, teaching, and sharing his knowledge with others.” The Brehm and Carapezza Lectureship Fund represents a new link between their families, between pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, and most impor-tantly, between Tufts-trained dental professionals past, present, and future. For more information or to make a gift to The Brehm and Carapezza Lectureship Fund, please contact Kevin Driscoll by phone at 617-636-6792 or by email at kevin.driscoll@tufts.edu. www.orthodontics.com Summer 2024 9
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Summer 2024: Page 9
