Awards
- IUPUI Maynard K. Hine Medal - 2018
- School of Dentistry Distinguished Service Award - 2016
- IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2002
Dr. Ditto received three degrees from IU: a bachelor's in chemistry in 1965, DDS in 1969, and an MS in pediatric dentistry in 1973. From 1969 to 1971, Dr. Ditto served in the Army Dental Corps in Vietnam with the rank of captain. After he returned to Indiana, he completed a Cerebral Palsy Fellowship at Riley Hospital for Children. In 1973, he opened a private practice in Lafayette, Ind., and began teaching at IUSD as an assistant professor in Graduate Pediatric Dentistry, where he continues as volunteer faculty today. His generous contributions to pediatric dentistry and Indiana University garnered him the IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2002. Dr. Ditto has been heavily involved in dental organizations throughout his career, including serving as president of the Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry in 1983. Since 1996, he has been a member of the IUSD Alumni Association Board of Directors, serving as president in 2003 and 2004. Dr. Ditto is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow in the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.