Types of Awards Won by Dental Clinics

There are many different ways in which dental clinics and their in-house professionals can be recognized. Some awards recognize their works in the community that revolve around the dental care of those who are less fortunate. Other awards are given to recognize the lifetime of work of clinics and professionals that provide dental care to both their patients and to the public.

Dental Professional Advisory Committee Awards

• The Dental Professional Advisory Committee Awards, sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, recognizes those in the U.S. Public Health Service that provide dental care. The DPACAs award six different prizes, including awards that recognize junior dental officers, mid-career officers, lifetime achievement, senior dental care, research and dental service in natural disasters. Nominess must be submitted by a supervisor.

American Dental Association Distinguished Service Award

• Given each year by the American Dental Association, the Distinguished Service Award is given to a dental care professional that has devoted their life to dentistry and to the service of their patients. The award is considered the ADA's highest possible honor. Nominees may come from any of the 156,000 ADA member dentists, dental professionals and clinics around the U.S.

SADHA Community Service Award

• The American Dental Hygienists Association presents a community service award each year, which recognizes a dental professional, a group of dental professionals, or a clinic's contributions to the dental care of their community. These programs can work to help improve dental care for children, the impoverished or seniors. But they all must share the goal of bettering public dental care through community service. The award is also sponsored by Tom's Natural Care of Maine, which makes mouthwash, toothpaste and other dental products.

APHA Distinguished Service Award

• This award is similar to the ADA award. However, the award, named after John W. Knutston, is handed out by the American Public Health Association and is devoted to honoring those dentists who have devoted their careers to caring for the dental needs of the general public. The award's criteria includes sustained work that improves public oral health and includes an award of $1,500. The award is sponsored by Colgate toothpaste.

Hygienist Hero

• Sponsored by Listerine and Reach, this award honors dental hygienists who provide service beyond the scope of a normal dental practice. In many cases, the winners of this award have devoted spare time to charitable activities that revolve around dentistry. Listerine and Reach present the awards with the cooperation of the American Dental Hygienist Association.