University of Minnesota School of Dentistry twice honored for innovative vision

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry will be twice honored for innovative vision and outstanding achievement.

The ADEAGies Foundation has named the School of Dentistry, along with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MnSCU) and the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, as recipients of its prestigious 2016 Gies Award for Outstanding Vision by a Public or Private Partner for their efforts to advance dental therapy education in Minnesota. The Foundation also named School of Dentistry Professor Mark Herzberg, D.D.S., Ph.D. [LINK TO BIO], as the 2016 recipient of the Gies Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Dental Educator.

“This is a proud moment for dental education and patient care in Minnesota,” said Leon Assael, dean of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. “The Gies Award is the Academy Award of dental education. For the Gies Foundation to recognize the outstanding achievement of one of our esteemed faculty members is a significant honor. To receive a second Gies Award – in partnership with MnSCU and the Board of Dentistry for efforts to establish the first dental therapy education programs in the United States - is a remarkable accomplishment. It just doesn’t get any better than this.”

Presented annually by the American Dental Education Association Gies Foundation, the Gies Awards are the profession’s preeminent recognition of exceptional contributions that exemplify the highest standards in oral health and dental education, research and leadership.

Honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of the ADEAGies Foundation Board of Trustees. The Procter & Gamble Company is the premier sponsor of the awards, which will be presented at a gala event on March 14 at the ADEA Annual Session in Denver, Colorado.