The American Dental Association (ADA) recently announced the winners of the 2014 Golden Apple Awards. Now in its 26th year, the annual award program has selected 17 recipients for this honor, which recognizes leaders, members, and staff of state and local dental societies across the country who have contributed to the success of dental society activities and shown excellence in leadership.

The awards will be presented through the end of 2014 to the following societies:

  • Legislative Achievement: The Missouri Dental Association received the award in the constituent society category (with total membership of more than 1,000 dentists) for its “Reinstatement of Adult Medicaid Dental Services” program. The Nebraska Dental Association received the award in the constituent society category (with total membership of fewer than 1,000) dentists for its “Medicaid RAC Audits” program.
  • Excellence in Membership Recruitment and Retention Activity: The Mississippi Dental Association received the award for membership recruitment through its “2013-2014 Member Recruitment Campaign.” The San Fernando Dental Society received the award for membership retention through its “Afternoon Tea” program.
  • Excellence in Dental Health Promotion to the Public: The Wisconsin Dental Association received the award for a dental society with total membership of more than 1,000 dentists for its newsletter, Tongue ‘n Cheek. Michigan’s Genesee District Dental Society received the award for a dental society with total membership of fewer than 1,000 dentists for its “Babies Health: From the Bottoms Up” program.
  • Excellence in Member-Related Services/Benefits: The Massachusetts Dental Society received the award for a dental society with total membership of greater than 1,000 dentists for its MDS Mobile App, MDS Mobile. California’s Monterey Bay Dental received the award for a dental society with total membership of  fewer than 1,000 dentists for its “Mentoring & Professional Guidance by the Smile Line” program.
  • Outstanding Achievement in the Promotion of Dental Ethics: The Virginia Dental Association was honored for its “One URL–A Multitude of Resources on Ethics.”
  • Achievement in Dental School/Student Involvement in Organized Dentistry: The Washington State Dental Association received the award for its “2014 Dental Action Day.”
  • Excellence in Science Fair Program Support and Promotion: The Louisville Dental Society received the award for its “Science Fair Awards.”
  • Excellence in Dentist Well-Being Activities: The Louisiana Dental Association was honored for its “LDA Well-Being Committee: The Next Chapter.”
  • Open Category: The Washington State Dental Association’s received the award in the constituent category for its “The Affordable Care Act and You” program. The Metro Denver Dental Society’s received the award in the component category for its “Mountain West Dental Institute.”
  • Excellence in Access to Dental Care Programs: The Seattle King County Dental Society received the award for “Complex Oral Surgery Service.”
  • Outstanding Achievement in the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion: In the constituent category, the Washington State Dental Association received the award for its “Race, Gender and Dentistry: A Conversation.” In the component category, the San Fernando Valley Dental Society received the award for its “Diversity & Inclusion” program.
  • Inspiring Careers in Dental Education: This year’s honoree is Dr Maureen McAndrew, Clinical Professor of Cardiology and Comprehensive Care and Senior Director of Professional Development at the New York University College of Dentistry.