CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), through its awards program, formally recognizes individuals whose contributions to the specialty or to the college are outstanding and substantial. These individuals will be honored on Friday, Nov. 7, at ACP's Annual Awards & President's Dinner. The event is held during the 44th Annual Session of the American College of Prosthodontists in New Orleans from Nov. 5-8, 2014. More than 1,200 dental professionals plan to attend this international meeting.
The ACP is proud to announce the following award recipients:
Dan Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Charles J. Goodacre, based in Loma Linda, Calif., is past president of the ACP, chair of the Department of Prosthodontics at Indiana University, and dean of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Dr. Goodacre teaches in the Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics at Loma Linda University and maintains a Prosthodontic practice in Loma Linda. Additionally, Dr. Goodacre serves on the board of the Fair Foundation, helping pre-transplant patients qualify to receive an organ.
President's Award
Retired Maj. Gen. Bill B. Lefler had an active military career for more than 34 years. His last assignment was assistant Surgeon General and 20th chief, Army Dental Corps. He also served as a consultant to the Army Surgeon General, director of the Prosthodontic residency program and lectured locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Lefler's dedication was unsurpassed, also serving as an active member of the ACP as a charter fellow and diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics since 1970.
Clinician/Researcher Award
Dr. Kenneth S. Kurtz, based at Academic Prosthodontics of Long Island in New Hyde Park, N.Y., is a board-certified Prosthodontist specializing in implant, esthetic and reconstructive dentistry. Dr. Kurtz is a clinical professor and associate director of the Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry and Director of Prosthodontic Research at the Graduate Prosthodontic Program at Montefiore Medical Center/AECOM. Dr. Kurtz also serves as director of the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Section, Postgraduate Prosthodontics for New York Hospital-Queens. and is an Attending Maxillofacial Prosthodontist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Along with his many teaching positions, Dr. Kurtz has co-authored 36 scientific papers.
Dental Technician Leadership Award
Larry Lindke is a consultant for Nobel Biocare, along with many international dental companies. He operates a dental laboratory in Atlanta, Ga., specializing in full-mouth rehabilitation, dental implants and highly aesthetic restorations. Mr. Lindke lectures and teaches workshops and clinics in the United States, Europe, Asia, South Africa and Canada. He has been ACP's Technicians Alliance Spokesperson since 2010 and is a member of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.
Distinguished Lecturer Award
Dr. Nancy S. Arbree was ACP's first female president in 2004 and has played an integral role in the field of Prosthodontic academics. She introduced overdentures and overdenture attachments into the predoctoral curriculum and clinic. She also established the denture recall system and managed a special access program for geriatric denture patients. Dr. Arbree was the associate dean of academic affairs at Tufts University for 16 years, where she chaired the Curriculum Committee, managed predoctoral student schedules and served as director of the biomedical sciences courses.
Educator of the Year Award
Dr. Hiroshi Hirayama has been a dedicated educator at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, serving as the director of the Tufts Prosthodontic Residency Program for 20 years. He has one of the highest percentages of residents obtaining American Board of Prosthodontics Certification of all Prosthodontic programs, according to ACP President Dr. John Agar.
Major General Bill B. Lefler Federal Services Award
Dr. William O. Wilson Jr. is a Commander in the United States Navy Dental Corps. He is the department chairman and program director for the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Fellowship at the Navy Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, Md. His knowledge and expertise have earned him the opportunity to serve as a consultant to the Navy Surgeon General as the Navy specialty leader for maxillofacial prosthetics and dental implants.
Prosthodontists are specialized dentists with advanced training in oral health issues, who are committed to improving patient outcomes. From implants, crowns, veneers and tooth whitening, to full-mouth reconstruction, Prosthodontists specialize in digital dentistry and CAD/CAM solutions.
The ACP is the only prosthodontic specialty organization whose membership is based solely on education credentials. ACP members must be in or have completed an ADA-accredited advanced education program in Prosthodontics.
