Dr. Blanton has educated generations of dentists for five decades. She is being honored for her numerous accomplishments, including various professional posts and appointments; her efforts to innovate dental education; and her advocacy for women leadership opportunities and progressive learning environments.

RSDM is being recognized for its leadership in helping the dental community understand, respect and serve the LGBTQ population. The school created a schoolwide climate where LGBTQ members feel a sense of security and belonging and has worked to educate the dental community about LGBTQ issues, including health equity.

The Dental and Oral Health Community Scholars Program, founded by Dr. Frazier-Bowers, addresses the intersection of didactic instruction and barriers to health care and provides an innovative learning environment focused on cultural enrichment.

Dr. Rouse is being recognized for a career marked by service in the military, dental education and several professional organizations. He is a role model for lifelong dedication and has mentored countless dental educators and leaders, including many dental school deans.

UI COD has developed a combination of programs in Geriatric Dentistry that are unique in scope and longevity. This leadership role includes student experiences in patient care, an advanced graduate program, a mobile unit delivering care in nursing homes, peer-reviewed learning models and inclusion of personnel in health care educational programs to enhance interprofessional collaborative practice.

AAOF has funded over $14.6 million of its grant applications, many of which resulted in significant publications that led to National Intitutes of Health funding and support of orthodontic residents with access to the Rapid Assessment of Evidence panel.

As the first female American Indian dentist in the United States, Dr. Rickert has devoted her career to improving access to care and tirelessly advocating for health and science careers for American Indians/Alaskan Natives.