Robert Rada, DDS, and Judy Kay Mausolf Honored with Awards at the Chicago Dental Society’s 159th Midwinter Meeting

The Annual Awards Recognize Scientific Excellence, Charitable Care and Community Impact
The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) recognized Robert Rada, DDS, and Judy Kay Mausolf, for their outstanding contributions to the dental profession during the 159th Midwinter Meeting. Dr. Robert Rada was presented with the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Vision Award and Judy Kay Mausolf was presented with the Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award in honor of their dedication to scientific excellence, volunteer and philanthropic services and commitment to oral health.
The Midwinter Meeting is CDS’ annual scientific meeting, attracting world-class speakers, hundreds of exhibiting companies and thousands of dental professionals to create one of the dental industry’s premier events in North America.
“We are proud to recognize the remarkable achievements of Dr. Robert Rada and Judy Kay Mausolf and the contributions they have made to drive dentistry forward,” said Dr. David Lewis, CDS President. “Their work advocating for those in need and improving the field of dentistry has left a lasting mark on the future of the profession. These awards are only a small piece of the accomplished careers and lasting impact these two individuals have left on their colleagues, peers, patients and future generations of dental professionals.”
The CDS Foundation Vision Award honors dedicated volunteers who generously support access-to-care programs and dental education for underserved individuals in their community, and practice dentistry with integrity, honesty and truthfulness with a commitment to protecting public trust.
Apart from maintaining a private practice in LaGrange, IL, Robert Rada, DDS, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. He received his MBA from Benedictine University and his DDS from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry.
Throughout his career, Dr. Rada has focused on the treatment and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Not only has he personally treated thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but he has equipped other oral health and medical practitioners with the education and tools to treat and advocate for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and advocates for the community at dental meetings and agencies. He carries a high dedication to volunteerism and works with young dental professionals to inspire the next generation to carry on his passion for volunteerism.
Dr. Rada is a respected leader at AdventHealth Free Clinics, Refugee One Dental Clinic and the Schweitzer Fellows Program. He has transformed AdventHealth Free Clinics by initiating the first dental component of the free clinics and provided dental equipment to support the clinic’s efforts. Due to Dr. Rada’s efforts and leadership, dental is now the most utilized discipline of AdventHealth Free Clinics.
The Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award is named in honor of Dr. Christensen’s many outstanding contributions to dentistry and the Midwinter Meeting.
Judy Kay Mausolf is the Director of Sponsoring Partners for the Speaking Consulting Network, where she applies her expertise in communication as a member of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants. Prior to this, she was the President of the National Speakers Association for the Minnesota Chapter.
Mausolf is an expert in the culture of the dental industry and demonstrates it through her commitment to advocating for the importance of developing team relationships and communicating in attitude-elevating ways. Much like Dr. Gordon J. Christensen, she emphasizes the importance of engaged collaboration in the workplace. With three published books on the topic of cultivating happiness, she has taught teams and individuals to find success in effective ways.
Judy Kay Mausolf's teaching principles are geared towards creating successful, harmonious, and patient-focused dental practices. Her approach is holistic, recognizing that both leadership development and team collaboration are essential for a thriving dental practice. By emphasizing empowerment, communication, and a positive work culture, she helps dental teams achieve their full potential and deliver exceptional care to their patients. She is passionate about coaching teams of dentists to their fullest potential and sharing this passion has broadened the mindsets of patients and peers alike.