ADA News

Dr. Smyth

San Diego—Four awards were presented during the 24th ADA New Dentist Conference June 26.

The Golden Apple Award for New Dentist Leadership went to Dr. Thomas Smyth of the Minnesota Dental Association, who worked with the MDA New Dentist Committee to develop the Street of Realities annual tour, which gives students and new dentists a real-life perspective of dental practices.

Dr. Kessler

Dr. Smyth's contributions also led to a Transitions Seminar Series that helps students gain knowledge and skills to bolster the job search, a New Dentist Committee editor position and a resolution to increase new dentist participation on all levels.

Dr. Morgan

Dr. Brett Kessler of the Colorado Dental Association received the Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring. A volunteer associate clinical professor at the University of Colorado Denver School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Kessler was lauded for his ability to relate to students and help them inside and outside the classroom. He has been actively involved in the Peer Assistance program and the Concerned Colorado Dentists program, which help dentists with addiction, and contributed to the revival of the CDA New Dentist Committee.

Dr. Austin

The Golden Apple Award for New Dentist Legislative Leadership was presented to Dr. Christopher Morgan of the Michigan Dental Association. Dr. Morgan's efforts have increased communication between members, community leaders and local regulators as they pursue solutions to dental issues. He was a leader in the development of legislation to reduce amalgam and mercury waste, resulting in a law requiring dentists to install amalgam separators in their offices.

The San Antonio District Dental Society of Texas received the New Dentist Committee Outstanding Program Award of Excellence for initiating its CND Continuum for Excellence, a series of well-attended and well-regarded continuing education programs for new dentists on clinical and personal/practice leadership topics. Dr. Joshua Austin, chair of the SADDS Committee on the New Dentist, accepted the award on the society's behalf.