WDA recognizes 19 for contributions to dentistry, public oral health
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WDA recognizes 19 for contributions to dentistry, public oral health
Milwaukee general dentist Dr. Michael Donohoo receives lifetime achievement honor
WEST ALLIS, WIS., Nov. 18, 2014 – Dr. Michael Donohoo, a Wauwatosa resident and general dentist with a practice in Milwaukee, is the 2014 Wisconsin Dental Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in recognition of his significant contributions of time, energy and expertise to organized dentistry throughout his 34-year career.
He was among 15 individuals and four organizations presented with a Pyramid of Pride by the 3,091-member statewide professional dental organization on Nov. 13 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
Donohoo has demonstrated significant, personal commitment to the dental profession through leadership positions at the local, state and national levels.
Active with the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, Donohoo also served as WDA president from 2002-2003 and was elected speaker of the WDA House of Delegates six times.
He represented the WDA in the American Dental Association House of Delegates several years. And, was active on the American Dental Political Action Committee board, including serving as chair in 1999 and 2000.
U. S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSecretary Tommy Thompson tapped Donohoo for theHealth Resources and Services Administration’s Advisory Committee from 2002 – 2005. Locally, he served as dental consultant for the Milwaukee County Social Development Commission’s Head Start Health Advisory Committee from 1990-1995.
Dedicated to developing future dental professionals and leaders, Donohoo is a long-time volunteer with the WDA,Marquette University School of Dentistry and Pierre Fauchard Mentor Program. He is a fellow of theAmerican College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy.
After graduating from MUSOD in 1980, Donohoo joined his father, Dr. Stanley Donohoo, in a private practice that continues today.
Receiving the Community Outreach Award for exceptional service to the public were:
Monroe resident Robbyn Kuester, BSDH, RDH for her work with school-based dental sealant programs and community water fluoridation.
La Crosse dentist and Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers Dental Clinic Director Dr. Dennis Loeffler came out of retirement to provide care for low-income patients.
Middleton’s Dr. Dana Lubet’s work with University of Wisconsin engineering students and faculty has led to new water fluoridation and preventive dental care programs for residents in several towns in Honduras.
As chair of the Fowler Memorial Free Dental Clinic Board of Directors and director of the Green County Health Department, RoAnn Warden, RN, BSN of Monroeworks to improve the overall health of low-income children in Green County in her job and as a volunteer.
D & S Dental Laboratory of Waunakee was named a Friend of Dentistry for its long-time contributions to two important WDA Foundation charitable care programs –Donated Dental Services and Mission of Mercy – and its support of several WDA member services.
The Green Bay Press-Gazette received this year’s Media Awareness award for substantial coverage of the WDA’s large-scale, charitable care Mission of Mercy clinic held in Green Bay in June, as well as coverage of other oral health topics.
Two Pyramids of Pride were presented this year for media relations. Dr. Robert Brennan of Neenah was recognized for his commitment to excellence and two-way communications with members during four years as editor of the WDA Journal and sourcebook. Waukesharesident and general dentist Dr. Gene Shoemaker’scontributions to the WDA Public Relations Committee and Editorial Advisory Board, as well as frequently serving as a media spokesperson earned him a POP.
General dentist and Milwaukee resident Dr. Cheska Avery-Stafford received the New Dentist Leadership Award. Active in organized dentistry since her years as a MUSOD student, today Avery-Stafford is vice president of GMDA, co-chairs the local Head Start outreach, volunteers for Give Kids A Smile® and attends WDA Legislative Day. In 2013, she participated in the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership.
The Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring award was presented to Brookfield resident Dr. Steven Sewall. He was nominated by residents in the Medical College of Wisconsin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program which he chairs. They cited his strong dentist-patient communications, positive and professional example and unselfishly sharing knowledge and expertise with those learning the specialty.
Two dentists and one WDA staff member received Political Action Awards.
Dr. Paul Feit, a Brussels resident and general dentist practicing in Sturgeon Bay, was recognized for acting on his commitment to improving oral health for all Wisconsin residents by becoming a state Assembly candidate.
Dr. Kent Vandehaar of Chippewa Falls has long worked to educate lawmakers at all levels about dental issues and has created respectful working relationships with members of all political parties.
Fitchburg resident and WDA Director of Government Services Mara Brooks’ efforts to raise lawmakers’ awareness of the dental profession and the importance of public oral health was saluted. Brooks worked with staff, consultants, dentists and oral health advocates to get multiple dental-related bills passed with unprecedented bipartisan support during the last legislative session.
The WDA Award of Honor was bestowed on three individuals and one organization in appreciation for contributions and activities that reflect great credit on the dental profession.
A Madison resident and general dentist, Dr. Kathleen Kelly’s dedication to the profession and quality oral health care for the public is reflected in her service with the Dentistry Examining Board, Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, Meriter Hospital’s General Practice Resident Program in the Max Pohle Dental Clinic and the former Harambee free care clinic. She is the only woman ever elected president of the local Dane County dental society.
Verona resident and Madison dentist Dr. Patrick Tepewas nominated by his Greater Dane Dental Society colleagues for leadership at the local and state levels of organized dentistry. Tepe is a 16-year volunteer with Meriter Hospital’s Max Pohl Dental Clinic and has been an instructor for its GPR program.
The creative partners of Suite 501 – Mainly Editing, 5th Floor Recording Company and Mad Max Designs – inMilwaukee’s Historic Third Ward have worked with the WDA for more than 12 years to produce award-winning oral health literacy and dental education videos and TV and radio spots.
State lawmaker and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Burlington) was saluted for his willingness to listen to constituent dentists about dental health and small business issues and building a positive working relationship with the WDA.
The WDA Foundation presented its Philanthropic Award to Delta Dental of Wisconsin for its long-time support of programs that provide charitable care and support the future of the dental profession. To date, the Stevens Point-based insurance company has contributed some $700,000 in support to the foundation’s Donated Dental Services and Mission of Mercy. In addition, several Delta Dental staff volunteer with the two programs.
