CHICAGO, April 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Three leaders of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) were recognized for their significant contributions to dental education during the 2015 American Dental Education Association's (ADEA) Annual Session & Exhibition held March 7-10 in Boston.
Nancy Deal Chandler, RHIA, CAE, CFRE, the executive director of the ACP and ACP Education Foundation; Carol A. Lefebvre, DDS, MS, FACP, the dean and professor of Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine and ACP secretary; and Sharon C. Siegel, DDS, MS, a professor and chair of the Department of Prosthodontics at NOVA Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine were among 10 individuals nationwide who were honored for their outstanding service, leadership and contributions to dental education.
"These three people have made contributions -- many of which are behind the scenes -- and represent the types of individuals so deserving of this recognition," said Lily T. Garcia, DDS, MS, FACP, chair of ADEA board of directors and the ACP Education Foundation, professor and associate dean for education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, and past president of the ACP.
"We are very proud," said Frank J. Tuminelli, DMD, FACP, who is president of the ACP. "These are outstanding professionals with an outstanding commitment and outstanding results. ADEA is the voice of dental education and for three American College of Prosthodontists leaders to be recognized speaks volumes about the future of oral health education."
"I might add that to their high professional skills, they bring a strong intellect and engaging personality – all in all, a very rare combination," said Lino P. Calvani, DDS, MSc, FACP, the regional membership director of ACP's International Region.
"It's truly fabulous to have our specialty represented so well in our higher educational circles," said ACP past president David L. Pfeifer, DDS, MS, MEd, FACP, who is based in Walnut Creek, Calif.
In fact, the ADEA honors will add to the celebration as prosthodontic post-doctoral programs at universities and hospitals will celebrate National Prosthodontics Awareness Week, April 12-18.
"As a program director as well as being in private practice, prosthodontists value our education – particularly our surgical training to place dental implants and well as digital dentistry taught during 3-4 years of advanced residency training. Our commitment to improving patient outcomes is why we aim to raise awareness as prosthodontists for our specialty's passion for top dental education nationwide during this week," said ACP President Dr. Frank J. Tuminelli who runs the graduate program at Queens Hospital.
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.
About the ACP
The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is the official sponsoring organization for the specialty of prosthodontics, which is one of only nine recognized specialties of the American Dental Association. Founded in 1970, ACP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patient care, advancing the art and science of prosthodontics, promoting the specialty of prosthodontics to the public and other dentists and healthcare professionals, ensuring the quality of prosthodontic education and providing professional services to its membership. For more information visit GoToAPro.org.
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