2027 William J. Gies Awards Recipients Announced
ADEA Gies Foundation Honors Four Leaders With 2027 William J. Gies Awards
September 21, 2026—Washington, DC— Today the ADEAGies Foundation® announced the recipients of the 2027 William J. Gies Awards (Gies Awards), recognizing four distinguished leaders and organizations whose contributions exemplify excellence in achievement, innovation, vision and leadership in oral health and dental education.
Named in honor of dental education pioneer William J. Gies, Ph.D., the Gies Awards recognize individuals, institutions and public or private partners whose work is helping to shape the future of oral health education.
“The 2027 Gies Award recipients embody the spirit of innovation, leadership and service that has defined the legacy of Dr. William J. Gies,” said Marsha Pyle, D.D.S., M.Ed., President of the ADEAGies Foundation. “Through their bold ideas and commitment to advancing oral health, these honorees are creating meaningful and lasting change in our communities, our institutions and our profession.”
The 2027 William J. Gies Award recipients are:
New York City Health + Hospitals
William J. Gies Award for Eminence in Achievement
Elisabeta Karl, D.D.S.
William J. Gies Award for Eminence in Innovation
Ihsane Ben Yahya, D.D.S.
William J. Gies Award for Eminence in Vision and Leadership
Ronnie Myers, D.D.S.
William J. Gies Award for Eminence in Vision and Leadership
“These honorees remind us that the future of oral health education is shaped by people and institutions willing to innovate and lead with purpose,” said Karen P. West, D.M.D., M.P.H., President and CEO of the American Dental Education Association. “Their commitment to strengthening education, the oral health workforce and the communities we serve exemplifies the leadership ADEA is proud to celebrate.”
The Awards will be presented during the 2027 ADEAGies Foundation Gies Awards Celebration on Monday, March 15, 2027, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL, in conjunction with the 2027 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition.
About the ADEAGies Foundation®: The ADEAGies Foundation embodies the life work of William J. Gies, Ph.D. (1872–1956), who pioneered and advocated for a model of dental education rooted in science and focused on advancing the public welfare. The ADEAGies Foundation is uniquely positioned to uncover and promote innovative, future-ready oral health initiatives that advance dental education and elevate the dental professions. We do so by supporting grants, programs, scholarships and special initiatives that develop leaders in academic dentistry and ensure a robust future faculty.
As the philanthropic arm of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the Foundation draws upon ADEA’s vast expertise and network of dental deans, allied program directors, faculty, students, residents and fellows, corporate and philanthropic partners to bring its agenda to life.
About ADEA: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education®. Our mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. Our membership encompasses 89 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 65 corporations and approximately 15,000 individual members. As such, ADEA represents an estimated 65,000 faculty, staff, students, administrators, residents, and fellows throughout oral health education. Our activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings, and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education®, as well as the dental school application services ADEA AADSAS®, ADEA PASS®, ADEA DHCAS® and ADEA CAAPID®. For more information, visit adea.org.