A Publication of the American Association of Women Dentists - Enriching and nurturing the diverse lives of women dentists
President’s Letter
During February, the AAWD Board of Directors converged in Chicago. Led by Dr. Sigmund Abelson of the University of Southern California, the Board over two days created a new mission statement and identified five key goals to help us reach our mission, “to be the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists.”
Our key goals are to:
- grow our membership
- create a network of regional, local, and student chapters
- provide exceptional member services and benefits
- provide outstanding community service
- optimize communications and improve technology
At this time, I am happy to report that we have met, have exceeded, or are on target to meet our 2007 goals.
For the third year in a row, our membership has grown. We want to continue this growth. If you aren’t a member of AAWD, we invite you to join. AAWD is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of women dentists in the United States. Make sure your voice is heard. Be a part of it.
Local and student chapters are being formed all across the nation. Go to our Web site and look at the calendar list for a meeting near you. If you are interested in starting a local chapter or want more information, e-mail Dr. Tawana Lee-Ware, [email protected].
In addition to the benefits offered through our corporate partners, we also create opportunities for women dentists to break into the speaking circuit, encourage research by presenting awards to student members, and offer unique programming such as our First Wednesday Web casts designed with the busy woman dentist in mind.
Our Smiles for Success program is having an incredibly successful year. In early 2007, AquaFresh White Trays teamed with Smiles for Success to offer a $100,000 grant. America Ferrera, star of ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” helped promote Smiles for Success nationally on television shows, newspapers, and magazines.
We are working to bring you an improved Web site that will allow you to connect with other AAWD women dentists in a more meaningful way.
It’s been a great year so far, and I’m proud of all the progress we’ve made. We hope you will be a part of it. If you have any comments or suggestions, let us know. We want to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected].
Kell Awarded Lucy Hobbs Taylor
Congratulations to Dr. Kathryn Kell, who was awarded AAWD’s highest honor, the Lucy Hobbs Taylor/Woman Dentist of the Year Award for 2007.
Since 1983, this award has been presented to a woman dentist in recognition of significant service to dentistry on the basis of achievement in civic, cultural, humanitarian, and academic areas. AAWD’s highest honor also recognizes women dentists who create a positive image for the profession and women in dentistry.
In addition to serving as the ADA’s Tenth District Trustee and Chairperson of the FDI Congress and Education Committee, Dr. Kell serves on the Board of the AAWD’s Gillette Hayden Memorial Foundation (a loan program for dental students), and has served as president of the Iowa Dental Association (2003-04). She gives back to her community by volunteering for the United Way, Kiwanis International, Smiles for Success, and Give Kids A Smile.
A past AAWD president and member since 1981, Dr. Kell embodies the spirit of this award. A general practitioner since 1979, Dr. Kell owns a private practice in Davenport, Iowa. She received her award Saturday, July 21 during AAWD’s Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs.
During February, the AAWD Board of Directors converged in Chicago. Led by Dr. Sigmund Abelson of the University of Southern California, the Board over two days created a new mission statement and identified five key goals to help us reach our mission, “to be the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists.”
Our key goals are to:
- grow our membership
- create a network of regional, local, and student chapters
- provide exceptional member services and benefits
- provide outstanding community service
- optimize communications and improve technology
At this time, I am happy to report that we have met, have exceeded, or are on target to meet our 2007 goals.
For the third year in a row, our membership has grown. We want to continue this growth. If you aren’t a member of AAWD, we invite you to join. AAWD is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of women dentists in the United States. Make sure your voice is heard. Be a part of it.
Local and student chapters are being formed all across the nation. Go to our Web site and look at the calendar list for a meeting near you. If you are interested in starting a local chapter or want more information, e-mail Dr. Tawana Lee-Ware, [email protected].
In addition to the benefits offered through our corporate partners, we also create opportunities for women dentists to break into the speaking circuit, encourage research by presenting awards to student members, and offer unique programming such as our First Wednesday Web casts designed with the busy woman dentist in mind.
Our Smiles for Success program is having an incredibly successful year. In early 2007, AquaFresh White Trays teamed with Smiles for Success to offer a $100,000 grant. America Ferrera, star of ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” helped promote Smiles for Success nationally on television shows, newspapers, and magazines.
We are working to bring you an improved Web site that will allow you to connect with other AAWD women dentists in a more meaningful way.
It’s been a great year so far, and I’m proud of all the progress we’ve made. We hope you will be a part of it. If you have any comments or suggestions, let us know. We want to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected].
Congratulations to Dr. Kathryn Kell, who was awarded AAWD’s highest honor, the Lucy Hobbs Taylor/Woman Dentist of the Year Award for 2007.
Since 1983, this award has been presented to a woman dentist in recognition of significant service to dentistry on the basis of achievement in civic, cultural, humanitarian, and academic areas. AAWD’s highest honor also recognizes women dentists who create a positive image for the profession and women in dentistry.
In addition to serving as the ADA’s Tenth District Trustee and Chairperson of the FDI Congress and Education Committee, Dr. Kell serves on the Board of the AAWD’s Gillette Hayden Memorial Foundation (a loan program for dental students), and has served as president of the Iowa Dental Association (2003-04). She gives back to her community by volunteering for the United Way, Kiwanis International, Smiles for Success, and Give Kids A Smile.
A past AAWD president and member since 1981, Dr. Kell embodies the spirit of this award. A general practitioner since 1979, Dr. Kell owns a private practice in Davenport, Iowa. She received her award Saturday, July 21 during AAWD’s Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs.
2007 Colgate Research Awards
For more than 20 years, Colgate has sponsored AAWD’s Colgate Research Awards - a monetary award given to junior and senior dental students who have shown academic excellence in research. This important award has given women entering the dental profession the support and confidence they need to succeed.
We are pleased to announce the following recipients of this year’s Colgate Research Awards:
Rebecca Bockow, University of Washington; Shannita Bridgers, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry; Lindsay Compton, University of Iowa School of Dentistry; Winna Goldman, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; Cindy Knotts, West Virginia University School of Dentistry; Anna Muench, University of Maryland School of Dentistry; Melissa Nix, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Elizabeth Osborne, University of Alabama School of Dentistry; Nunya Pongo Irvin, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine; Takeisha Preston, Howard University School of Dentistry; and Lisa Trevino, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Volunteers Needed
There are lots of volunteer opportunities available within AAWD. Whatever your interests are - planning conferences, staffing the AAWD booth at a trade show, writing/communications, joining a standing committee, or stepping into a leadership position - we can match you with the volunteer role that best suits you. To find out more, e-mail [email protected] or call AAWD headquarters at (800) 920-2293.
OAWD Mixes CE, Pedicures
The Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists has been busy this spring with a continuing-education event at the Oxford Spa and Salon. Dentists, staff, and students enjoyed the History of Women in Dentistry presentation by Dr. Mary E. Martin, AAWD director of archives. Each attendee was treated to a pedicure and chair massage.
The OAWD on Monday, April 16 honored graduating female seniors at Vito’s Ristorante in Oklahoma City. At the annual event, engraved card cases were presented to each graduate. Monika Nguyen was named the 2007 Eleanor J. Bushee Senior Student for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Leadership.
The event was co-sponsored by Alexander and Strunk Insurance, represented by Sheila Morford. This allowed many DS I, II, and IIIs to attend. The second awardee of the Dr. Mary E. Martin Scholarship was Randi Hobbs, DS III.
Installation of the 2007-08 officers was conducted by Dr. Kay Beavers: President Tennille Cheek-Covey; President-elect Andrea Montgomery; Secretary-Treasurer Mary Martin; Member at Large Kesa McConnell; Student Representative Ashley Coerver; Student Representative Kylie Alexander; Immediate Past President Tamara Berg; and Editor Stacy Revels.
