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Announcing Dental Products Report's Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2015
The Top 25 Women in Dentistry was designed to recognize women who excel in their fields. The honorees come from across the dental industry, including dental professionals, industry leaders and practitioners. Each of the honorees will be featured in the October edition of Dental Products Report.
Now in its sixth year of recognizing exceptional women in the dental industry, Dental Products Report is thrilled to announce the Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2015.
The Top 25 Women in Dentistry was designed to recognize women who excel in their fields. The honorees come from across the dental industry, including dental professionals, industry leaders and practitioners. Each of the honorees will be featured in the October edition of Dental Products Report.
“We are honored to announce this year’s 25 extraordinary women,” said Kevin Henry, group editorial director for Dental Products Report, Modern Hygienist, Dental Lab Products and Dental Practice Management. “I was very excited to see this year’s impressive pool of nominations; these women have accomplished impressive things, and we are honored to give them recognition for those accomplishments.”
The Top 25 Women in Dentistry include...
Dentists
Dr. Catrise Austin
Dr. Yasmi Crystal
Dr. Marci Guthrie
Dr. Tara Hardin
Dr. Andrea Janik
Dr. Laura Justice
Dr. Melissa Kennell
Team Members
Tija Hunter, EFDA
Heather Hennen, CDA
Angela (Guanzini) Severance
Lisa Marie Spradley
Industry
Carmen Alatzas
Carol Applegate
Kimberly Lynn Bradshaw-Sickinger
Cindy Durley
Fern Ingber
Tonya Lanthier
Lauren Malone
Shannon McCarthy
Lorie Streeter
Educators
Naomi Cooper
Laura Howerton
Lab
Denise Apple Burris
Carol Pilmer
Tracy Prouse
Click through the following pages to read what the nominators had to say about each of these impressive nominees. Full profiles of each of the women will appear in the upcoming October issue of Dental Products Report.
Category: Dentist
What her nominator said:
"Dr. Catrise Austin is a trailblazing expert in the field of dentistry. Best known as the 'Dentist to the Stars', musicians, actors, comedians, journalists, models, beauty pageant contestants, and professional athletes have placed their smiles in her capable hands. Austin has solidified her reputation in her field with national TV appearances on The Discovery Health Channel, “Today Show”, “Good Morning America,” and VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop”.
She is the author of two dental consumer books (“5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile” and “Winning the Fight Against Diabetes"), and is also a publisher, professional speaker, blogger, national brand spokesperson (for Colgate, Sensodyne, Crest and Aquafresh) and award-winning entrepreneur. She is also the founder of NYC Cosmetic and General Dentistry, as well as publishing company Wellness America Press.
She was the first private practice dentist in the US to routine offer HIV testing to her patients. She is also a diabetes and oral health advocate and works with American Diabetes Association to raise awareness on the important links that can affect millions of Americans.”
Category: Dentist
What her nominator said:
"Dr. Yasmi Crystal was born with the soul of an artist and the mind of a scientist. Dentistry, which offers Dr. Crystal a unique opportunity to work with her hands while continuing to challenge herself intellectually, has led to a decorated career. Here’s a quick sampling of just some of Dr. Crystal’s achievements:
• Consultant for Council on Scientific Affairs and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
• Past president of the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Co-director of continuing education for more than 20 years for the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry
• Representative of Nations for the USA on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry.
• Faculty member for the Family Practice MD program at Somerset Medical Center, NJ for over 15 years.
• Consultant, preceptor and lecturer for the American Academy of Pediatrics, NJ Chapter.
• Among the first dentists in the world to utilize the Solea dental laser, the first FDA approved, computer-aided CO2 9.3 micron laser for hard and soft tissue ablation I
It’s an impressive list even before you consider the fact that she speaks four languages fluently (English, Spanish, Italian and French) and is a proud mother of three. Currently, she is committed to bridging the divide between dentists and primary care physicians. Dr. Crystal believes this type of collaboration can create an environment where children and their parents begin to understand the connection between oral and systemic health leading to healthier and happier lifestyles. While the goal is lofty, given Dr. Crystal’s accomplishments to date, it is hard to imagine that she will not succeed."
Category: Dentist
What her nominator said:
“Dr. Guthrie utilizes a therapy dog in her practice to ease dental fears. She is very involved in the community as an event sponsor and participant. She is not afraid to refer a patient to another practice if she feels it would be more suited to meet his/her needs.”
About Dr. Guthrie
Dr. Guthrie has practiced dentistry since 2003, since graduating with honors from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. Dr. Guthrie continued her dental education, completing an Advanced Education of General Dentistry Residency program in 2004. She associated as a general dentist in Chester prior to opening her own practice in Bon Air in 2008.
As an advocate for helping the underprivileged and giving back to the community, Dr. Guthrie has attended mission trips to Jamaica and Belize and volunteered in several Mission of Mercy projects throughout the state of Virginia. She is Chairman of the annual Give Kids A Smile event and is also an active member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Richmond Dental Society and several local study clubs. She was voted by her peers as one of Virginia’s Top Dentists by Virginia Living Magazine.
Category: Dentist
What her nominator said:
“Dr. Tara is not only an incredible dentist but also a great leader, mentor and philanthropist. Dr. Tara is an accredited member of AACD and is currently working on her fellowship. The precision, care and detail she puts into every patient goes unmatched. Not only is she an artist, giving people confidence that they never knew they had, but she also is concerned about their overall health and takes a very holistic approach to dentistry. Her main concern is the wellbeing of her patients. She truly cares about each and every person. Dr. Tara takes advantage of continuing education to ensure she provides the absolute best care possible. She is also active in mentoring young students that have a passion for dentistry.
Her heart is so big, and she wants to do what she can to help others. Dr. Tara supports the Pink Ribbon Girls, which is a Breast Cancer organization that offers incredible support services to individuals with breast cancer, survivors and family members. Dr. Tara also supports Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Make-A-Wish Foundation. Along with both of these organizations, Dr. Tara donates time and services to countless other local organization and charities in the community. She does all of the above, and more, all while balancing her beautiful and active family.
Dr. Tara and her husband have three young children who keep them very busy! She’s very involved and supportive in everything they do. It amazes me she is able to focus so much time on her practice and dentistry, and somehow, still finds time to focus even more on her family!”
About Dr. Hardin
Dr. Tara attended Ohio State University and received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2000. Like her father, Dr. Gary, Dr. Tara has since graduated from Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) - and is currently the only dentist in Cincinnati to have also earned her fellowship with LVI, which requires completion of the core curriculum and a comprehensive exam.
Numerous hours of continuing education keep the Hardin team among an elite class of dentists who provide exceptional esthetic and restorative dentistry for their patients. Dr. Tara continues to take advanced courses from Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), is a respected accredited member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and attends the yearly Scientific Sessions presented by the AACD.
Category: Dentist
What her nominator said:
"Dr. Janik is involved with dentistry at so many levels. She is an owner in the Pacific Dental Services (PDS) group. Her practice is one of top performing practices in the company. She also serves organized dentistry at all levels. She is a member of the ADA Committee for the New Dentist and has been responsible for the reengineering of the ADA New Dentist Conference. She is a member of the Texas Dental Association Council on Membership as well."
About Dr. Janik
Dr. Janik received her DDS degree at Texas A&M University, Baylor College of Dentistry. She has been practicing dentistry since 2008, and is a member of numerous professional associations including American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association (in which she has served as a committee chair 2011-present), San Antonio District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Seattle Study Club, San Antonio Academy of General Dentistry, Dallas Implant Study Club and the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students.
She received the Up & Coming award from the Dallas Study Club in 2011, and the Dallas Country Dental Society New Dentist of the year award in 2012. She was also the recipient of a Johnson & Johnson National Dental Research Grant.
Category: Dentist
What her nominator said:
“From the earliest days of her career, Laura Justice has had a burning desire to set herself apart as a cosmetic dentist. Dr. Justice is highly committed to excellence and strives to consistently utilize the most cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology in her practice by placing high value on continuing education and staying at the forefront of dentistry. “
About Dr. Justice
Dr. Justice received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. She then graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry with honors in 1989. After earning her American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Accreditation in 2001, she wasted no time setting her sights on Fellowship. This year, she became the AACD's 65th Accredited Fellow. In addition to her accomplishments within the AACD, she has received extensive post-graduate certificates in advanced cosmetic procedures from Louisiana State University, The Center for Cosmetic Excellence, The Eubank Institute and The Kois Center.
Dr. Justice is the co-founder and past president of the Kentucky Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She has served on the Kentucky Board of Dentistry and is a member of the Bluegrass Dental, Kentucky Dental and American Dental Societies. She is also a member of the American Association of Women Dentists, a pre-fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has served on the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry as an examiner.
Category: Dentist
What her nominator said:
“Missy is a mother of two, and has a son with severe Hemophilia and a daughter who is a competitive figure skater. She manages to balance the demands of her children and also manage her practice, Children's Dentistry of the Lakes Region - one of New Hampshire's largest pediatric dental practices with 2 (going on 3) locations. She is passionate about her career and strives to treat every patient like it was her own child.”
About Dr. Kennell
Dr. Kennell has been practicing since 2006. She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in psychology from Southern Methodist University, and received her D.D.S. degree from the University of Ney York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Kennell regularly attends continuing education courses nationwide to stay abreast of the current techniques in the field of pediatric dentistry.
Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, MADAA
Category: Team member
What her nominators said:
“Tija has been an assistant for 33 years; she strives for nothing but the best from herself and people around her. She is one of the most positive people you have ever met. Her passion for educating dental assistants is evident. She is knowledgeable of the laws regulating them and strives to empower them with the tools they need to become the best they can. She truly enjoys speaking to assistants and learning from them.”
“Tija is probably the best role model in our profession. She took me under her wing at a time when my passion for dentistry took a turn. Tija is very passionate about dental assisting and is such an amazing role model.”
“Tija is an amazing assistant. She actually could be our spokeswoman for ADAA. Tija wears many hats: assistant, office manger, author and educator. There is not enough room or words to describe this amazing woman.”
“Tija pursues dental education more than any other dental person I've met in my 36 years. She completed her Mastership in less than two years. She is starting dental assisting schools in numerous states and doing all the governmental regulations and requirements for each state. She speaks at many dental meetings on various topics. She has literally dedicated her life to dentistry.”
About Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, MADAA
Tija Hunter is the office manager of Boardwalk Family Dental and has worked there as a dental assistant since 2003. She is a 1981 graduate of Missouri College and is a member of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries (ADIA). Tija is the director of the Dental Career Institute dental assisting schools. She is the author of four CE courses and several articles. A contributor to a textbook to be published soon, she also sits on the board for the Illinois DAA.
Category: Team member
What her nominators said:
“Heather has been instrumental in the advancement of the role of the dental assistant/team member for the past eight years. She has been invited to lecture internationally to share her wealth of knowledge that ranges from a materials expert to the intricacies of team dynamics and case presentation. With the foresight to recognize the course of digital dentistry, she co-founded a lecture series of eight courses for the clinician interested in advancing their skill set in the contemporary digital world. These courses extend beyond just the dentist to advance the entire clinical team in this pursuit of higher-level clinical dentistry.
She has lectured in many different venues over the past seven years ranging from places such as Chicago Midwinter, to an adhesive symposium in Australia, to a multitude of study club venues nationally. Her willingness to educate and inspire, coupled with the passion driven behind the level of relevant information for industry, is second to none. The integrity and research she spends behind the scenes to validate the information she shares is what also makes her presentations incredibly powerful.”
“I will personally vouch for Heather’s passion and motivation to improve the industry any way she can. Heather is amazing; her best attribute is making each person feel special and part of the overall team. She brings people together as well as anyone I have ever met.”
About Heather Hennen
Heather Hennen is a dental assistant and business and treatment coordinator in Wakefield, NC. She is also an independent contractor, a published author, both national and international lecturer on various topics ranging from chair side assisting techniques and CAD/CAM (both clinical and practice integration) to treatment acceptance and more. She also serves as a KOL for several manufacturers and is the co-founder of the Fifth Gear program, providing hands-on clinical team training.
Angela (Guanzini) Severance, RDA, CDA
Category: Team member
What her nominators said:
“Angela's commitment and drive to empower other assistants and doctors is superior to anything I've ever witnessed. She does more than educate. She empowers and gives back the gift of confidence.”
“Angela has been an influential figure in the advancement of CAD/CAM dentistry. Not only does she share her enthusiasm in educating dental professionals, but she also is the biggest cheerleader for dental assistants. She created the catchy field of NINJA dentistry, which empowers other dental assistants to embrace becoming a part of the office production through CAD/CAM mastery.”
“Angie exudes energy, professionalism and genuine caring for our profession and for elevating dental teams to the level of excellence to which they aspire.”
“Angela has had a major influence in enabling many dental assistants take their careers to an entirely new level. Her energy, excitement and professionalism have made dentists and dental clinicians able to embrace digital dentistry with success into their practices. Angela has demonstrated what "No, I'm not just an Assistant" really means because assistants are major players in digital dentistry.”
About Angela (Guanzini) Severance
Ms. Severance is a national speaker, educator and author with over 13 years of clinical experience specializing in digital dentistry and CAD/CAM technology, along with its utilization and integration into the modern dental practice.
Ms. Severance was instrumental in forming a certification program for auxiliaries and technicians, the CadCam Dental Designers (CDD), which provides a recognized advanced competency in the digital space. Ms. Severance is also leading the profession through promotion of NINJA™ dentistry ("No, I’m Not Just any Assistant”), expanding the utilization of the dental team through delegation and advanced education
Category: Team member
What her nominator said:
“Lisa Marie is a symbol of strength and grace. She has overcome the tragic death of her daughter while maintaining her professional career. She has devoted herself to training team members to be positive and make an impact on a patient’s life. She is a true leader and someone who would should be highly considered for this distinction.”
About Lisa Marie Spradley
Lisa Marie Spradley, FAADOM, has worked in the dental front office for nearly 20 years and understands the struggle to put the patient’s needs first while still taking care of the business of the front office. As a consultant and speaker, she trains the dental team to focus on the patient, which leads to more production and increases in-office referrals.
Lisa is a published author having written articles for industry publications such as Dentistry IQ, The Dental Geek, AADOM Observer, and AGD Impact. She is an active, lifetime member, Fellow and Ambassador of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM). Lisa’s experience as an office manager led her to develop FLAME (Focused Learning to Accelerate Maximum Efficiency) training, which focuses on patient communication and interactions, claims and collections and managing daily tasks.
Denise Apple Burris
Category: Lab
What her nominator said:
“Denise Apple Burris is the laboratory manger at Oral Arts Dental Lab in Georgia, a 20-person laboratory. Denise has been working hard for cancer fundraisers for nine years because of family members being diagnosed. Denise and her husband have raised almost $50,000 since getting involved in cancer walks nine years ago. One of the major events she is involved in is the Atlanta 30-mile, two-day walk.
She has truly had a challenging year but still continues to take leadership positions in major dental organizations and is admired by everyone who works with her. She is also the current president of Southeastern Conference Dental Laboratories and Fiscal Secretary and Trustee for National Board of Certification. I am positive she has done a whole lot more than I am aware of and I’m sure I’m just scratching the surface. This seems to be the type of person she is. She gives so much everywhere but doesn’t expect a thing in return.”
Carol Pilmer
Category: Lab
What her nominator said:
“Carol has been a successful, dedicated and inspirational member of the dental lab industry for decades, and has set a high bar for others to reach.”
About Carol Pilmer
Carol J. Pilmer graduated as a dental assistant from Elkhart University, Elkhart Ind., and spent the first 10 years of her career in the clinical environment. She has been co-owner of R Dental Ceramics, Solana Beach, Calif., for 40 years, has put in 22 years of servives to the Dental Lab Owners Association of California, including nine years as association president. She has also served as the San Diego component secretary and president and is a contributing writer to the quarterly publication.
She has served on the ADHP Guest CDA Board of Trustees, ADHP CDA House of Delegates, several task force committees and as a CDA Presents Speaker Host. She is currently serving as the dental lab tech coordinator for her fifth CDA Cares event this fall, and as a member of the Pasadena City College Dental Lab Technology Department’s advisory board.
Category: Lab
What her nominator said:
“Tracy started her career arranging flowers in a local flower shop before deciding to go back to school. She then got a job in a denture mill producing cheap dentures as fast as she could turn them out Unhappy that she was not given the time to make beautiful smiles, she got a job in a high-end dental practice creating custom implant supported prosthetics.
Her eye for color, balance, shape and form has allowed this single mom with two children to jettison to the top of her career creating beautiful smiles. The dental office walls are covered with photographs of cases she has completed. She meets with each and every patient having full mouth rehabilitation and carefully creates a beautiful smiles for each and every one She states, "It is kind of like arranging flowers – you are creating a work of art"
Category: Educator
What her nominators said:
“Naomi is very well known in dentistry as an expert in marketing for both dental practices and businesses in the profession. I had heard many great things about Naomi from multiple practices and organization in the profession who had worked with her, and made her an offer to work with us as soon as she had the availability. It has been a great honor to have Naomi on our team as CMO. She is very professional is every aspect of her work and always strives for perfection. Any organization that has had the opportunity to work with Naomi would definitely nominate her for this award.”
“Three words: Effective. Expert. Professional.”
About Naomi Cooper
Naomi Cooper is president of Minoa Marketing, a dental/medical marketing and social media consulting firm based in Los Angeles, Calif. She is a published author, speaker and dental industry opinion leader. Naomi advises dental manufacturers, associations and service providers, offering strategic and ongoing marketing implementation services, generating budgets and timelines, facilitating vendor introductions and creating a system of ongoing marketing accountability. She also serves as Chief Marketing Consultant for Pride Institute. Naomi has over 15 years of experience marketing products and services, with over 12 of those in the dental industry. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and earned a Certificate in Business Management from Loyola Marymount University.
Category: Educator
What her nominator said:
“Ms. Howerton and her partner literally wrote the book on dental hygiene, now in use in most dental hygiene programs. She has done much to advance this field. Not only is she an excellent educator, she is a caring person.”
About Laura Howerton
Laura is a dental hygiene faculty member at Wake Technical College, and has served as a clinical associate professor at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and The Ohio State University. She earned a certificate in dental hygiene, a B.S. in education and a M.S. in oral radiology and pathology from The Ohio State University.
She has broad private practice experience in both general dentistry and faculty practice and has participated in numerous continuing education courses. She is the co-author of two textbooks and is a member of the review board for the Journal of Dental Hygiene.
Carmen Alatzas
Category: Industry
What her nominator said:
“Ms. Carmen Alatzas, Senior Vice President at Valplast International Corp. and President of Precise-Fit Services International, Inc., has led Valplast not only through its recovery from Hurricane Sandy, but has been a key force enabling the development of Valplast's new digital solutions.
The dental laboratory industry is transitioning to new CAD/CAM technologies, and Ms. Alatzas has aggressively supported this transition for Valplast both for flexible partial dentures as well as full dentures and conventional partials. The result will be cutting edge open-source digital solutions in removable dental restorations.”
Carol Applegate
Category: Industry
What her nominators said:
“Carol has served as a customer care manager at Pelton for over 25 years. She has become a true icon with Pelton and our dealers.”
"A longtime member of the KaVo Kerr Group team, Carol truly embodies what it means to provide an excellent customer experience. She started in customer service with Pelton & Crane in the late 1980s and has held roles of progressive responsibility covering Pelton, Marus and DCIE operatory equipment and KaVo North America dental instruments, and also with our special markets team covering academic institutions, large group practices, etc.
Carol has always stayed true to her passion of serving in customer-focused roles to solve problems and create positive experiences. Whether it’s working through a new order for a small dental practice project, or coordinating multiple brands and departments for huge dental school installations, Carol excels at partnering with our distributor partners and end-users to ensure their needs are met and expectations exceeded. The entire KaVo Kerr Group family is thrilled to have Carol receive this honor and proud to call her part of our team!"
Kimberly Lynn Bradshaw-Sickinger
Category: Industry
What her nominators said:
“Kim engages and communicates with all levels of employees. It is a rare person who can take care of hearts while taking care of business. Kim Bradshaw-Sickinger is that person.”
“Her vision of the future of our industry and the unrelenting drive and motivation of her team has inspired myself and my team to push harder to be part of the complete vision that Kim has to be the leaders in digital dentistry. She is the complete package.”
“Through her commitment to ethics, core values and moral decision making, Kim has amassed one of the most skilled and talented executive teams and lab managers in the industry. Her energy and enthusiasm is an inspiration to all who know her.”
“Kim's business acumen and her down to earth style give her an edge to be a leader in this industry that people want to join with and create new relationships with. Her launch toward digital dentistry and her ability to join forces in our industry to streamline systems and help dentistry grow at both the lab level and the dental practice level is something to be admired.”
“In 2009, Ms. Bradshaw-Sickinger became president and CEO of DTI’s MicroDental Laboratory in Dublin, Calif., and has since transformed the company’s leadership and large multicultural workforce from floundering to flourishing. Long being accepted as a cottage or craft industry, Kimberly utilized her medical device background to introduce a new perspective to the dental laboratory industry at large, intending her company to be seen and perform as a medical device company.
She has successfully pursued and implemented FDA quality and regulatory standards, an accomplishment that currently eludes 97% of the dental laboratories in the country, understanding this was the only path to providing the required service excellence that would lead to consistent patient safety and satisfaction. Ms. Bradshaw-Sickinger has led MicroDental Laboratories to earn a place at the forefront of innovative technologies and new restorative product development and has worked to protect and develop her employees by investing in training and education, cultivating technical excellence and seeking out and partnering with the best of our industry’s leaders to advance her company’s standing.
As the CEO of the MicroDental Laboratory network, Ms. Bradshaw-Sickinger has introduced, driven and maintained long needed employee and customer-centric values; invested, supported and encouraged all of her technicians to become nationally-certified; has achieved the distinction of DAMAS certification (only 2% of labs in the country have earned this distinction); has supported the industry by providing needed resources as well as her top leadership to represent and serve on countless boards and committees to improve and advance the laboratory profession.”
Category: Industry
What her nominator said:
“In her dual role of executive director to the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) and the DALE Foundation, Ms. Durley provides unparalleled leadership and visionary direction. She tirelessly promotes the missions of both organizations– ultimately to increase public protection through certification and continuing education for dental auxiliaries. Through her work at DANB and the DALE Foundation, Ms. Durley demonstrates her dedication to providing dental auxiliaries with a means to elevate themselves and the profession, striving to keep the public protection missions of both organizations in mind.
She believes in collaboration and mentorship in both personal and professional areas of her life. In addition to her work within the dental community, Ms. Durley is active in numerous professional organizations: She has held leadership positions with the Institute for Credentialing Excellence and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and is currently active in various Institute for Credentialing Excellence committees. Ms. Durley also serves as the president of the American Association of Dental Administrators for 2015.”
About Cindy Durley
Ms. Durley has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame, a master's degree in education from Loyola University of Chicago, and a master's degree in business administration from DePaul University. Prior to her work with DANB and the DALE Foundation, Ms. Durley was Manager of Examination Development and Services at the Academy of General Dentistry for four years, during which time she was also Executive Secretary of the Certifying Board of General Dentistry (now the American Board).
She has developed examinations and evaluated curricula for the U.S. Navy and taught basic statistics and testing and measurement courses at Loyola University of Chicago. Ms. Durley began work at DANB in 1986 as Director of Testing and Measurement, where she worked with dental assistants, hygienists and dentists to develop and set pass/fail standards for 48 national and state dental assisting credentialing examinations. She held this position until September 1996, when she was named Acting Executive Director.
She was hired as DANB’s Executive Director in August 1997. She serves as the executive director to both DANB and the DALE Foundation, providing leadership in organizational governance, fiscal accountability and administrative, operations and personnel management.
Category: Industry
What her nominator said:
“As president and CEO of NCOHF, Fern has impacted more than 1.9 million children and caregivers through America ToothFairy efforts. Fern has a long non-profit resume prior to dentistry, and has been with dental for more than 10 years. She is a one-woman development team, generating support across the industry.”
About Fern Ingber
Fern serves as founding President and CEO of America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation. Prior to working in the field of dentistry, Ms. Ingber served as president of the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation; senior vice president for Strategic Development for Cancer Treatment Centers of America; executive vice president for the National Health Museum in Washington DC; primary consultant in the development and implementation of the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Network and several pilot prostate cancer initiatives; founding general manager of the National Marrow Donor Program; director of the Department of Defense National Marrow Donor Center; and assisted several other non-profit and for-profit organizations in the development of health and education programs and products.
Category: Industry
What her nominator said:
“I have known Tonya for about three years now, and she is so deserving of this nomination. She is the CEO and Founder of Dental Post, an online job board that has been successful in helping thousands of dental professionals find jobs. But she is also a remarkable in that she still works clinical. She has a heart of gold and is so personable and caring. She has helped so many in so many ways.”
About Tonya Lanthier
A Registered Dental Hygienist since 1995, Tonya's involvement in dentistry goes way beyond the dental practice. A member of the Academy of Dental Hygiene (ADHA), Entrepreneurial Organization (EO) and Academy of Dental Management Consultants (ADMC), she is on the planning committee for the Northern District Dental Society (NDDS) Gala for Smiles, public relations liaison for the Georgia Dental Hygiene Association (GDHA) and volunteers for the Georgia Mission of Mercy and the Ben Mansell Clinic. Tonya also works with the Georgia Department of Education's Business Advisory Committee.
Tonya started DentalPost.net in 2005. Since then, DentalPost has grown into a networking platform for over 400,000 dental professionals and over 25,000 dental offices and growing. Tonya continues to work as a Registered Dental Hygienist; she believes that staying active in the field provides her with new insights and knowledge every day.
Lauren Malone
Category: Industry
What her nominators said:
“Lauren is by far and away one of the most capable event directors in the USA. No one comes close.”
“Lauren’s road to ODA is a true rising through the ranks. She started working in a two-dentist practice while in high school as a part-time office assistant after school. During college, she came back during the summer to continue working at the practice, and returned once again after she graduated. Shortly thereafter, the dentists at the practice dissolved their partnership. She was then promoted to office manager for one of them, responsible for scheduling, billing, collections, etc.
She later moved to Portland, where she started at the Oregon Dental Association as the coordinator of membership and meetings. Just one year later, she was promoted to the manager of trade show and operations. In 2009, she was promoted to her current position as the managing director of meetings and membership. She now manages the Oregon Dental Conference drawing over 6,500 attendees and exhibiting personnel to the Oregon Convention Center every April. Her rise has been inspirational.”
About Lauren Malone
Lauren serves as the managing director of meetings and membership for the Oregon Dental Association. She holds a B.S. degree in business administration from Warner Pacific College and is a member of multiple associations including the American Society of Association Executives, Meetings Professional International, Oregon Society of Association Management, Oregon Convention Center Customer Advisory Board and the Travel Portland Customer Advisory Board.
Shannon McCarthy
Category: Industry
What her nominators said:
"Shannon has helped build the Yankee Dental Congress into one of the premier dental shows in the country and has done an amazing job with the Yankee's transition from the Hynes Convention Center to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. She is innovative and forward-thinking and has done an amazing job for a long time."
“Shannon has done an exceptional job for a very long time and wholeheartedly deserves a highly recommended nomination.”
About Shannon McCarthy:
Shannon McCarthy is the director of sales for Yankee Dental Congress. The event is the fifth largest dental meeting in the country and attracts dental professionals from all over the Northeastern portion of the United States.
Category: Industry
What her nominator said:
“Lorie has worked hard to elevate AADOM's presence among dental companies. Her drive and passion for the Association has led to incredible growth on the exhibitor side of the Annual Session. The conference is now known as a very desirable show at which to exhibit.”
About Lorie Streeter
Lorie Streeter is the vice president of AADOM. Lorie owns her own marketing company, StreeterBuilt Strategic Marketing, which is the driving force behind the “Break to Brush” program. Her dental career spans 24 years, 12 of which were spent as a dental office manager. As the vice president of AADOM, Lorie’s role is to strategically build programs and relationships that create awareness of the AADOM mission and benefits to its members.
Lorie’s rich history in dentistry, marketing, sponsor relations (for the last six years) and office management allows her the unique perspective of working with not only the companies who help sponsor education and programs but also the office manager and what is best for their growth and development.
