HONOLULU, Hawaii--The American Dental Association has honored Robert Kinsaul, DMD, a general dentist from Phenix City, Ala., with the ADA Humanitarian Award.
The ADA Board of Trustees selected Dr. Kinsaul for his dedication and volunteer efforts in providing dental care to people in need around the globe, including every continent except Antarctica and Australia.
"I haven't been to Antarctica yet, but I'm going one of these days," said Dr. Kinsaul, who since 1976 has logged 59 international mission trips--from Siberia to South America--to help those in desperate need.
"It's been 32 years worth of excitement to me."
The ADA Humanitarian Award was established in 2007 to annually honor an ADA member for outstanding contributions that impact oral health and improve the oral health of underserved populations within the United States and abroad. The ADA honored Dr. Kinsaul during the ADA's 150th Annual Session and World Marketplace Exhibition in Honolulu.
"It is clear that Dr. Kinsaul's humanitarian work has changed the lives of those treated and motivated other dental professionals to get involved," said John. S. Findley, DDS, the ADA's immediate past president. "It is an honor for the ADA to recognize him as the recipient of the American Dental Association Humanitarian Award."
"Volunteering is the source of my joy," said Dr. Kinsaul, who says he is motivated by his deep religious faith to help others. "It's not about me. It's about a passion for service, a lifestyle that's a formula for peace and joy, a balanced life with giving back. In the process, you can make a difference in peoples' lives and help them re-chart their destinies."
Dr. Kinsaul credits his accomplishments to being organized and receiving lots of help and support from teams of caring individuals who also work on the mission trips.
"I work with a variety of organizations, and once you start, it's like you've joined a network and you start getting invitations from other organizations," he said. "Now all I have to do is follow my checklist."
Dr. Kinsaul received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and earned his dental degree from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Alabama Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Endodontic Society, the Christian Medical/Dental Association and the Christian Dental Society.
He serves on the advisory boards of World Dental Relief, International Healthcare Network, and Healthcare Ministries.
Dr. Kinsaul and his wife are the parents of four children and seven grandchildren.
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