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º£½ÇÂ×ÂÒ President William L. Henrich, M.D., MACP, announced the 2020 Presidential Award winners on January 17, 2020. Among those honorees are two well deserving members from the School of Dentistry, who will be honored at a special awards dinner with a plaque and a cash award. Edward F. Wright, D.D.S., M.S., Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, will be presented with the Presidential Award for Clinical Excellence. Dr. Wright has been a faculty member with the º£½ÇÂ×ÂÒ School of Dentistry for over 15 years and is well known throughout the dental profession for his kindness and his expertise in TMD and orofacial pain.

In her letter nominating Dr. Wright, Dr. Diane Sullivan writes, "Dr. Wright approaches each clinic encounter with compassion and focus. He provides his undivided attention to all patients who sit in his chair. He takes the time to clearly understand a patient' s concerns and symptoms. He provides patients with an organized, systematic evaluation, a well formulated diagnosis and cost-effective treatment plan that provides the best long-term symptom relief. Often thinking out-side of the box and recruiting the expe11ise of other health care professionals." Dr. Sullivan goes on to mention that Dr. Wright "is very deserving of this award and recognition for Presidential Clinical Excellence".

Mrs. D.J. Smith , Special Events Coordinator in the Office of the Dean, will be presented with the Presidential Award for Employee Excellence. D.J. has served the º£½ÇÂ×ÂÒ for 15 years and is the force behind almost every School of Dentistry event from the weekly Grand Rounds to the Dean's Town Halls, to assisting with graduation.

In his nomination of D.J., Dean Peter M. Loomer says, "D.J. is greatly respected by our community and is considered the gold standard of event planning. More than her work, however, D.J.’s positive attitude and willingness to help anyone in need embodies our values of teamwork, professionalism, and excellence. She is most comfortable behind the scenes, but it is time for D.J. to be celebrated for her tireless efforts."

Congratulating both Dr. Wright and D.J., Dean Loomer closed a message to the School of Dentistry by saying, "I urge you to seek out Dr. Wright and D.J. to congratulate them on jobs well done.  These awards speak highly of how well both are respectfully regarded in our school and within our institution." We hope you too will join us as our School celebrates both Dr. Edward Wright and Mrs. D.J. Smith! You can find the complete listing of the 2020 Presidential Award recipients HERE.