The IAO was established in 1961 to protect and promote the rights of general practitioner dentists to provide orthodontic treatment. Dr. Leon J. Pinsker was one of the founding members. Dr. Pinsker envisioned an organization that would provide orthodontic education to general practitioners as an alternative to a two-year post graduate program.
The Leon J. Pinsker Award is the highest award the association bestows on its members and is named after the founder of the association. The award is presented to a member of the association who has performed exceptional and meritorious service in furthering the aims and purposes of the association. The Award is given out during the Saturday Night Celebration at the IAO Annual Meeting.