Golden Apple, New Dentist Committee awards bestowed

New Orleans鈥擳he ADA Committee on the New Dentist presented four awards June 28 during the 22nd New Dentist Conference.

Dr. Peter Theodorou of the New York State Dental Association received the Golden Apple Award for New Dentist Leadership for his contributions to organized dentistry and fellow military personnel. A former Marine, Dr. Theodorou co-founded the Marine Assist Foundation which offers free plastic surgery and dental services to military personnel.

Dr. Irvin Silverstein, University of California-San Diego dental director/advisor of the UCSD Student-Run Free Dental clinics and Pre-Dental Society, received the Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring. He has mentored students at all levels and exposed them to the joys of volunteerism. It was through Dr. Silverstein’s leadership in 2006 that the U.S. Navy and UCSD came together for a humanitarian mission in Southeast Asia, where pre-dental students supported care on the USNS Mercy hospital ship.

Dr. Sammy Pak of the Washington State Dental Association received the Golden Apple Award for New Dentist Legislative Leadership, the first recipient in this new category. As the legislative chairperson for Pierce County Dental Society since 2004, Dr. Pak spearheaded the society’s legislative activities and formed a new dentist committee.

The Pennsylvania Dental Association’s New Dentist Committee received the 2008 New Dentist Committee Outstanding Program Award of Excellence. PDA was recognized for its new dentist receptions held twice yearly. The events brought new members and nonmembers together with society leaders to discuss issues affecting the profession.