Dentistry is a profession based on the principle of helping others, and CDA and the CDA Foundation are outstanding examples of how a collective effort can make a difference in communities across California.
Sacramento, CA (Vocus) December 23, 2010
The California Dental Association is the recipient of a 2011 William J. Gies Award for exemplifying dedication to the highest standards in support of oral health and oral health education. The Gies “Vision Award” honors CDA and the CDA Foundation for extensive work in support of dental education, member practices, service to the public and promotion of good oral health practices.
“We are honored to receive such a prestigious award from the William J. Gies Foundation,” said Andrew Soderstrom, DDS, CDA president. “Our policies, services and programs have enabled CDA not only to support our members in their practices, but also to move dental education forward and allow us to make a difference in the lives of many Californians by promoting the importance of good oral health.”
The Gies Award cites CDA for its advocacy efforts in working with the Dental Board of California to create the first portfolio licensure process in the nation as well as earlier sponsored legislation that requires all children entering the public school system for the first time to receive a dental checkup, with the goal of improving children’s oral health and establishing a regular source of dental care. CDA’s comprehensive research efforts during the past three years to learn more about ways to overcome barriers to care were also praised by the Gies Foundation.
CDA received honors for programs and services that support members in their practices — including the online Practice Support Center, leadership conferences and CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry — and provide vast opportunities for dentists to remain current on technical and scientific advances in their profession.
CDA’s excellent relationship with California’s six dental schools was also noted for services provided to students who are about to begin their professional careers. Dental students are invited to play active roles in many aspects of CDA, including leadership and educational conferences that help them successfully transition into their new careers.
The Gies Award additionally commended the Foundation’s accomplishments for improving the oral health of Californians, particularly underserved and vulnerable populations. The Foundation’s significant achievements include its work in water community fluoridation, caries management by risk assessment, the development of Perinatal Oral Health Guidelines and the Student Loan Repayment Program that awards grants to new dentists to help repay their student loans in exchange for a commitment to provide care to underserved individuals.
“We accept this special recognition on behalf of our members who work hard to
serve their patients, provide oral health education and offer care to those in need,” Soderstrom said. “Dentistry is a profession based on the principle of helping others, and CDA and the CDA Foundation are outstanding examples of how a collective effort can make a difference in communities across California.”
The Gies Awards are presented by the ADEAGies Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Dental Education Association. For more than 50 years, the ADEAGies Foundation has enhanced the oral health of the public through programs that support dental education, research, leadership and recognition.
About the California Dental Association
The California Dental Association is the nonprofit organization representing organized dentistry in California. Founded in 1870, CDA supports its members in their practices and service to the public through innovation in education, advocacy and related programs. CDA also contributes to the oral health of Californians through various comprehensive programs and advocacy. CDA’s membership consists of more than 24,000 dentists, making it the largest constituent of the American Dental Association. For more information, visit http://www.cda.org.
About the California Dental Association Foundation
The CDA Foundation was formed as the philanthropic affiliate of the California Dental Association in 2001 with the mission to improve the oral health of Californians by supporting the dental health profession and its efforts to increase access to care for the state’s most vulnerable people. The CDA Foundation works with experts in the dental profession, private business, academic institutions and government to produce programs that increase access to care; promote prevention, education and intervention; advance health policy research; and build a sustainable oral health workforce. http://www.cdafoundation.org.
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