Charles G. Eller

From the land of the setting sun, before one falls off into the Pacific Ocean, comes our newly installed International President Charles Eller.

Dr. Eller was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, and earned his undergraduate degree from Beloit College (Wisconsin) and his dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee. He then served as an officer for the U.S. Navy at the Great Lakes Naval base in Illinois and later in San Diego, California.

From there he established his dental practice in La Mesa (San Diego), California, where he practiced for 48 years. His dear wife, Gloria, was his chair side assistant for 46 years.

Dr. Eller went through the chairs to become President of the San Diego County Dental Society where he presided over and accepting their 1000th member. During that time he became a Fellow in PFA, ACD, and ICD. As a Fellow in PFA he accepted the position of Southern California Section Chair. From this office, Dr. Eller was recognized for his outstanding leadership and was asked to become Region 5 Trustee. Thereafter his talents earned the respect of his peers to be asked to get into the PFA International Chairs as Vice President in 2006.

For his 18 years of service in organizing the Scientific Sessions in Anaheim, and in San Francisco, with PFA Fellow Hans Sjoren (now deceased), he was nicknamed the "Godfather."

Dr. Eller and his wife Gloria organized many gnathologic study groups into the International Academy of Gnathology, which now has chapters on five continents devoted to teaching occlusion. The Japanese IAG Section has 7,300 members! Their 30-year involvement resulted in the American Section IAG Congress hosted attendance from some 29 countries. Dr. Eller became the publisher of the Journal of the International Academy of Gnathology.

So recognized for his work, President Reagan mentioned Dr. Eller's activities in one of his books. Other honors earned have been the B.B. McCollum Award, the Peter K. Thomas Award, and the Color Pe Anchieta Apostolo do Brasil Medal from the Brazilian government at their capitol building in Sao Paulo. The Ellers were honored at a reception in the Reichstag in Berlin, by a Chinese Deputy Minister in Beijing, by Taiwan President Dr. Lee, and with President Haggarty of Ireland--over some 50 countries.

The Eller's current project has been to send equipment and supplies to needy areas of Mexico, especially to the Baja California School System--some 2,500 items so far!

But Chuck and Gloria have also engaged in life with two fine daughters and a grandson. They enjoy their avocado and citrus trees, growing their orchids and roses. They are opera fans for some 40 years and sponsor Mozart at their local opera theater. Skiing and exercising are also endeavors to fill their free time.