Summary: The American Dental Association will recognize outstanding contributions in leadership, humanitarian efforts, and dental research at SmileCon 2024, honoring individuals for their impact on dental education, global care, and scientific advancements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Distinguished Service Award acknowledges nearly 35 years of dental education, military service, and veterans’ advocacy.
  • The Humanitarian Award honors over 140 mission trips and founding a clinic for underserved patients.
  • Two researchers are recognized for contributions to periodontal regeneration and oral cancer research.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is set to honor several key figures in the dental profession during SmileCon 2024 in New Orleans, on Oct 18. The event, known for celebrating advancements and leadership within dentistry, will spotlight individuals who have made significant contributions to the field, both in practice and research.

Theresa Gonzales to Receive Distinguished Service Award

One of the association’s highest recognitions, the ADA Distinguished Service Award, will be presented to Theresa S Gonzales, DMD. Gonzales, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina and a retired U.S. Army colonel, is being recognized for her nearly 35 years of service in dental education, military readiness, and her advocacy for veterans and underserved communities. Having grown up in a military family, Gonzales has combined her professional experience as an oral and maxillofacial pathologist with her passion for leadership and service. ADA president Linda J Edgar, DDS, lauded her for bringing real-world clinical experience to her students and fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals for better patient outcomes.

Gonzales’ career has been marked by several milestones. She served as the chair of the department of advanced specialty sciences and the director of the Ryan White Dental Clinic at the Medical University of South Carolina’s James B Edwards College of Dental Medicine. In 2013, after retiring from military service, she focused on developing the Chronic Orofacial Pain Management Service, the first of its kind at the college. She continues to advocate for equitable healthcare access, especially for veterans, while contributing to a multidisciplinary healthcare facility that supports patients with HIV/AIDS.

Bill Sasser Honored with Humanitarian Award

In addition to honoring Gonzales, the ADA will present the 2024 Humanitarian Award to Bill Sasser, DMD, of Charleston, NC. Sasser’s dedication to providing dental care to underserved populations has spanned more than two decades, during which he has led or participated in nearly 140 dental mission trips across 34 countries. His efforts have made a significant impact on oral health care for those with limited access to treatment. Sasser also founded the North Charleston Dental Outreach clinic, which provides essential care to uninsured patients in his community.

Sasser’s work has garnered a reputation from colleagues and community members alike for his selflessness and commitment to serving disadvantaged populations, according to the ADA.

“I’m honored to have been selected for this award, but [I’m not] a saint,” said Sasser. “I’m a flawed individual who doesn’t mind working hard, and who feels that contributing to the good of others is somewhat selfishly allowing me to be productive into my old age. My life has been much more fulfilling practicing dentistry for free than when I was getting paid.”

Top Researchers Recognized for Advancements in Dentistry

Finally, SmileCon will recognize two prominent researchers for their contributions to advancing dental science. William Giannobile, DDS, DMSc, a leader in periodontal regenerative medicine and dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, will receive the 2024 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research. Yvonne Kapila, DDS, PhD, professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, will be honored with the Norton M Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research. Both researchers have made transformative contributions to their respective fields, with Giannobile focusing on precision medicine and tissue regeneration, while Kapila has advanced the understanding of periodontal disease and oral cancer.