Dr. Sim contributed greatly to the growth of the IAO. He was directly responsible in establishing the association's Certified Instructor program through the development and implementation of the IAO Instructors Institute. In addition, Dr. Sim helped create the IAO Tier Advancement system and resulting IAO membership categories.

Dr. Sim was a respected pediatric dentist, professor and chairman of the orthodontic and pediatric departments of Southern Illinois University's School of Dentistry. He authored many scientific books and articles regarding orthodontic treatment. His book "Minor Tooth Movement in Children" was published in English and seven other languages. This was the definitive text for the early orthodontic treatment for many years. Dr. Sim was especially unique in the way he managed to teach large groups and yet give such individual help to his students. He truly changed people's lives one doctor at a time.

Dr. Sim lectured extensively and developed many orthodontic study clubs worldwide, some of which have been in existence for over 20 years. He was an IAO Pinsker Award winner.

Memorials for Dr. Sim can be made as contributions to the Dr. Joseph Sim Library. The Sim Library is dedicated to a historic collection of orthodontic texts and is located at the IAO headquarters office at 735 North Water St., Suite 617 Milwaukee, WI 53202 USA. More information will be available after the first of the year on other memorial giving options through Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Dental School.