Alfred Traxler Baum spent 92 incredible years on this earth as a son, military officer, husband, father, grandfather, and leader in orthodontics. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the only child of immigrants. His parents were grocery store owners, and they taught him the value of hard work. Alfred received his undergraduate degree before receiving an officer’s commission in the U.S. Navy and Marines in World War II. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he earned his DDS degree and, in 1949, enrolled in the first class of the orthodontic program at the University of Washington.
In 1951, he and his wife, “Mike” (Myra) Baum, moved to Los Angeles, where they raised their 3 sons, Bradley, Kenneth, and Gary. He held a post at the College of Dentistry at the University of Southern California for 17 years, wrote 23 scientific papers, and pioneered new treatment techniques. He was a fellow of the American College of Dentists and a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. He was instrumental in founding the graduate orthodontic program at the University of California at Los Angeles, and he lectured extensively throughout the United States and the world. Alfred enjoyed working with his patients and was deeply respected by his staff and peers.
