The Association for Dental Safety (ADS) announced the recipients of its 2024 Leadership Awards at the Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona, honoring individuals for their significant contributions to dental infection control, service, and research.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lois Cohen, PhD, received both the Dr. James J. Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award and was the 2024 Dr. John S. Zapp Global Lecturer.
  • Sarah Stream, MPH, CDIPC, CDA, FADAA, was honored with the Emerging Infection Control Leader Award and the Bette & Paul Schwartz Award for Volunteerism.

The Association for Dental Safety (ADS), formerly known as OSAP, announced the recipients of its annual Leadership Awards at the 2024 Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona.

Dr. James J. Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award

Named in honor of a founder of dental infection control, this award recognizes lifetime achievement in the field. ADS presented the 2024 Dr. James Crawford Award to Lois Cohen, PhD, for her major contributions in science, education, and public policy related to infection control and patient and provider safety.

Dr. Milton E. Schaefer Superior Service Award

This award, named after one of ADS’s founding members, celebrates superior service to the organization. The 2024 Schaefer Award was given to Matthew R. Ellis, MPH, CIC, CDIPC, REHS/RS, recognizing his continuous contributions and tangible benefits to ADS’s mission.

Emerging Infection Control Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award aims to develop and promote the next generation of stars in dental infection prevention and safety. ADS honored Sarah Stream, MPH, CDIPC, CDA, FADAA, as the 2024 Emerging Infection Control Leader.

Dr. John S. Zapp Global Lecture

The Friends of ADS established this lecture to honor Dr. Zapp’s memory and build bridges with global leaders in oral infection prevention and safety. The 2024 Lecturer was Cohen.

Bette & Paul Schwartz Award for Volunteerism

This award, named after a couple who personify volunteerism for ADS, recognizes outstanding volunteers. The 2024 award was presented to Stream.

Chair Citation Awards

Steven Geiermann, DDS, FACD, FICD, 2023–2024 ADS Chair of the Board, presented special citations to individuals for their unique contributions and unwavering commitment to dental safety. The recipients were:

  • Alyssa Aberle, RDH, MBA, CDIPC, FADHA
  • Nancy Dewhirst, BSDH, RDH
  • Kimberly Grensavitch, MJ, BA, RDH
  • Michelle Lee, CPC
  • Shannon Mills, DDS
  • Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, CDIPC
  • Andrew Whitehead

Dr. James. A. Cottone Award for Excellence in Investigative Research

This award, named for one of ADS’s founders, recognizes excellence in infection control and safety research. The 2024 award was presented to Shane Castro, RDH, CDIPC, JM, for his poster presentation titled “Revolutionizing Instrument Management: Harnessing RFID Technology in Dental Education.”