At the Connecticut State Dental Association’s (CSDA) 159th Annual Charter Oak Dental Meeting, the School of Dental Medicine received the Emeline Roberts Jones Award for advancing education and inclusion.
The award, according to the CSDA, is presented to an individual or group who supports and upholds the role of women in dentistry, particularly in Connecticut.
Kathlene Gerrity, executive director of the CSDA, said: “The Emeline Roberts Jones Award recognizes those who champion and elevate the role of women in dentistry. This year, the Connecticut State Dental Association is proud to honor the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine for its longstanding commitment to supporting women in our profession as students, faculty members, and administrators, and for helping shape the next generation of dental leaders.”
Eleven UConn School of Dental Medicine alumni, including four faculty, were also recognized by the CSDA.
The Special Citation Award for distinguished oral surgeons and leaders in organized dentistry was given to Dr. Kevin McLaughlin, DMD ’82. The Rising Star Awards were given to Drs. Felicia Brodeur DMD ’20, Scott Pearl DMD ’16, assistant clinical professor Natalie Pesun AEGD ’25, Courtney Regan DMD ’22, Eric Salm DMD’20, Lenka Serdar DMD ’26, Jeffrey Wojewoda DMD ’16, and adjunct clinical instructor John Zyzo DMD ’16. The Board Recognition Award went to adjunct clinical instructor Dr. Steve Hall DMD ’96, and Dr. Donna Balaski DMD ’93 received the Etherington Award for commitment to organized dentistry. The Presidential Award for leadership and service was given to adjunct clinical instructor Dr. David Fried DMD ’86.
