Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Members of the Dental Community,
It is with profound sadness and immense respect that we announce the passing of Dr. William E. Wyatt Sr., a visionary pioneer in the fields of orthodontics and general dentistry. Dr. Wyatt peacefully departed this life at the age of 97 in his cherished Glen Rose, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family.
Dr. Wyatt’s remarkable journey began in dentistry, where he quickly recognized the critical need for orthodontic knowledge among general and pediatric practitioners. Starting in 1956, he embarked on this path by successfully treating his nephew’s malocclusion using innovative, self-learned techniques. This experience ignited a passion that led him to limit his practice to orthodontics in 1970, focusing on preventive, interceptive treatments, TMJ disorders, and functional corrections that addressed issues like poor breathing and facial structure narrowing.
His global impact was profound. As a dental missionary in Nigeria’s Bade region for three years, Dr. Wyatt, alongside one local colleague, delivered comprehensive dental care—including essential orthodontics—to an underserved population, treating everyone from everyday residents to dignitaries such as the prime minister’s daughter and the chief justice. Back in the United States, he continued to innovate, advocating for a collaborative dental ecosystem where general dentists could diagnose and refer appropriately, ensuring no patient suffered undiagnosed pain from TMJ-related issues like headaches, neck aches, or shoulder pain.
A founding member and past president of the American Orthodontic Society (AOS), Dr. Wyatt was instrumental in its creation, promoting certification and mentorship for dentists interested in basic orthodontics. Opened in early 2024, the William E. Wyatt Center for Orthodontic Education, the AOS’ first training center, was aptly named in his honor. His accolades are a testament to his passion and excellence: two Cooley Awards from the Texas Dental Association for preventive orthodontics, The Moore Lifetime Achievement Award from the AOS, A 50 Years of Service Medal from the AOS, nomination as Texas Dentist of the Year, and fellowships in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He also served as President of the Fort Worth Dental Society and as a delegate to both the Texas and American Dental Associations.
Even in retirement, Dr. Wyatt’s dedication shone brightly. From his Texas ranch, shared with his devoted wife, Winnie Wyatt, he created and shared free educational videos on orthodontics and TMJ via his YouTube channel and website, williamwyattsr(dot)com. These resources have inspired viewers in over 116 countries, with messages of gratitude urging him “don’t stop.” He preserved an extensive archive of case studies, slides, and X-rays, each capturing stories of transformed lives—children gaining confident smiles and adults finding lasting relief from chronic pain.
Dr. Wyatt’s legacy extends beyond dentistry; he served as a Marine, Boy Scout Leader, City Councilman in Colleyville, Texas, and was nominated Citizen of the Year in Hurst, Texas. His family, including children who embody his spirit of lifelong learning and challenging the status quo, remember him as a man at peace with a life richly lived. As he once reflected, “I would’ve died with this in my own brain, but it’s out now. It’s all over the world… and I can die, but it’s going to live.”
We encourage you to honor Dr. Wyatt by exploring his videos and his profile in the AOS Journal here: https://aosinstitute.com/key-people-profile/dr-bill-wyatt-a-powerful-passion-for-orthodontics/ or by joining the AOS to carry forward his mission of accessible orthodontic education.
With deepest condolences,
Nathan Porter, Executive Director
The American Orthodontic Society Board
To learn more about our popular orthodontics courses for pediatric and general dentists, check out one of the upcoming events below.
