WEST ALLIS, WIS. — De Pere resident and Green Bay pediatric dentist Dr. James Conrardy is the 2011 Wisconsin Dental Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in recognition of his significant contributions of time, energy, and expertise to organized dentistry throughout his 31-year career.
Conrardy is one of nine individuals and three organizations who will receive Pyramids of Pride from the 3,000-member statewide dental organization on Nov. 11 at a banquet at The American Club in Kohler.
After earning a bachelor's at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Conrardy obtained his dental degree at Marquette University School of Dentistry and a pediatric dentistry certificate from MUSOD and Milwaukee Children's Hospital (now Children's Hospital of Wisconsin). He taught part-time at MUSOD from 1978 to 1980 before moving to Green Bay to practice.
Conrardy has been involved with multiple professional associations at the local, state, national and international levels. A dedicated volunteer, he has served on multiple local, state and national committees for nonprofits and oral health initiatives. The WDA has previously presented him with political action and outstanding service awards.
Drs. Matthew Kutz and Laura Tills, along with Lisa Bell, RDH, MPH, will accept a Community Outreach Award on behalf of Madison's Salvation Army Thursday Night Dental Clinic. In its first two years, clinic volunteers delivered $300,000 in care to 500 of the city's homeless residents.
Sheboygan general dentist Dr. Robert Darling is also a Community Outreach Award recipient. Darling chairs the Sheboygan County Dental Access Committee's Fall Dental Exam Day for children in Head Start and Women, Infant and Children. Since 2007, more than $20,000 in free dental care has been provided to approximately 300 preschoolers. He also volunteers with Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), the WDA Foundation/WDA Mission of Mercy, and Lakeshore Technical College Community Dental Clinic.
Dr. Ken Yarnell of Madison is this year's WDA Foundation Philanthropic Award recipient. During his 20 years as chair of the WDA Dentists Concerned for Dentists Committee, he helped more than 150 dental professionals address a variety of mental and physical well-being issues, including substance addiction.
Henry Schein Dental, headquartered in West Allis, is being honored with the 2011 Friends of Dentistry Award for its ongoing contributions to the mission of the WDA. The company was instrumental in bringing the large-scale, charitable Mission of Mercy dental clinic to Wisconsin in 2009. Since then, the company and individual employees have provided financial and in-kind support to the annual MOM event, helping make possible the delivery of more than $2.9 million in charitable care through more than 5,700 patient visits.
The Wausau Daily Herald is being recognized for its ongoing, balanced reporting of public oral health topics and statewide dental issues with a Media Awareness Award.
Wausau resident and general dentist Dr. Julie Fox is receiving the Media Relations Award for sharing important dental health messages through the news media. A member of the WDA Board of Trustees, Fox's commitment to providing charitable care, working on local government health policy efforts, and taking time to speak with reporters makes her a valued WDA media spokesperson.
Sheboygan resident and general dentist Dr. Laura Rammer's professional involvement earned her the New Dentist Leadership Award. Rammer was active in theAmerican Student Dental Association at MUSOD. Since graduation, she has volunteered locally on behalf of organized dentistry programs such as GKAS, Fall Dental Screening Day, and the WDA Mission of Mercy. She also serves on the WDA Membership Committee and helps educate elected officials on dental issues.
The WDA Political Action Award goes to Manitowish Waters resident and general dentist Dr. Craig Janssen. Motivated by media coverage during the fall 2010 election cycle, Janssen decided to get involved politically. He has since participated in 13 fundraisers for state and national candidates.
Three 2011 WDA Awards of Honor are being presented to a dental hygienist, state legislator and dentist.
Carrie Stempski, RDH, BS, is a Green Bay resident and executive director of the Brown County Oral Health Partnership. Established in 2007 with the help of multiple community partners, dentists, and volunteers, the non-profit has provided preventive and comprehensive care and oral health education to more than 8,000 low-income children.
Upon learning the WDA Mission of Mercy was coming to Weston in June 2011, State Rep. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) rolled up his sleeves and went to work. He helped raise local financial and in-kind donations, produced a public service announcement to recruit prospective patients, conducted multiple media interviews, and even helped set up clinic equipment. This award recognizes Petrowski's personal commitment to improving the dental health of central Wisconsin residents.
Kenosha general dentist Dr. Susan Cable's commitment to her profession spans 25 years, beginning with her service as ASDA secretary while attending MUSOD, and as a clinical instructor at the school shortly after graduation. She has held numerous leadership positions with the Kenosha County Dental Society, WDA, and WDA Foundation. Cable is also active politically and in various community organizations.
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