Distinguished Alumni

James W. Taneyhill, DDS '80

To honor his decades-long commitment to service, clinical excellence, and leadership in military and civilian dentistry, James Taneyhill is the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Alumni Award winner.

This award recognizes a graduate for outstanding professional leadership and contributions to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and the community.

“I believe that all dentists, and me, have been blessed,” Taneyhill said. “I can’t think of a higher honor that I could have received in our profession.”

His dedication to public service has spanned over four decades. After earning Bachelor of Science in English and Master of Education degrees from Loyola University Maryland, Taneyhill pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at UMSOD, graduating in 1980 through the school’s Accelerated Professional Training Program. He then completed a general practice residency at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Baltimore.

His professional journey has combined private practice, public health, teaching, and military service. From 1981 to 2013, Taneyhill maintained a private general dentistry practice in Bel Air, Md., with a clinical focus on advanced restorative, implant, cosmetic dentistry, and non-surgical temporomandibular joint therapy. He also served as a lecturer and clinical consultant at the Baltimore VA Medical Center from 2001 to 2013, mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.

From 2012 to 2024, Taneyhill served as a contract dentist with the Maryland Army National Guard, bringing compassionate dental care to service members. His military involvement reflects a broader dedication to service — he retired as a colonel in Army Aviation and remains an active member of the National Guard Association of the United States.

In 2003, Taneyhill founded a dental clinic at the Bon Samaritan School in St. Marc, Haiti, providing much-needed oral health care to underserved communities. In 2011, he expanded his outreach by founding a second clinic at the Our Daily Bread Employment Center in Baltimore, where he has continued to serve with the same energy and compassion that have defined his career.

Throughout his professional life, Taneyhill has remained committed to learning and teaching and completed more than 500 hours of continuing education at esteemed institutions. 

Taneyhill’s professional affiliations include fellowships and leadership roles in the Academy of General Dentistry, the International College of Dentists (Deputy Regent, Maryland), and the Baltimore Association of Dental Surgeons, where he served as chair. He also is a past president of the Harford-Cecil County Dental Association and a retired member of the American Dental Association and Maryland State Dental Association.

Beyond dentistry, Taneyhill is a Knight of the Order of Malta and serves as treasurer for the group’s Baltimore region. He also is a member of the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake and has a history of community engagement efforts that reflects a life lived in service to others.

Taneyhill’s legacy is one of quiet leadership, steadfast service, and tireless commitment to improving lives — whether in the clinic, the classroom, or communities near and far.

Harold L. Crossley, III, DDS '80, PhD, MS

In recognition of his international reputation and public service as an expert on street drugs, chemical dependency, and clinical pharmacology, as well as his commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of oral health and law enforcement leaders, Hal Crossley is the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Alumni Award honoree.

This award honors a University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) graduate for significant professional accomplishments in science, dentistry, or education.

Crossley graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1964 and then earned a master’s degree and a PhD in pharmacology. After joining UMSOD, he completed a doctoral degree in dentistry. In his career, Crossley has excelled as a pharmacist, pharmacologist, educator, author, dental practitioner, and accomplished speaker who has instructed dental students and other dental clinicians and law enforcement officers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America.

He attributes his wide-ranging professional path to keeping his mind open to changes. “Don’t get so mired down in what you’re doing that you don’t seize an opportunity, because it could change the whole direction of your life,” he said in 2004.

Often referred to as “Your pal, Hal,” Crossley often was requested by dental students to serve at their graduation ceremonies and was voted Teacher of the Year several times. He is a popular draw at UMSOD’s Continuing Education classes, and his topics have included the effects of physician-prescribed medications on dental treatment, recommendations on antibiotic prophylaxis, and the signs and symptoms of substance abuse among patients and dental professionals alike.

“I don’t teach just because it’s a job. I try to instill in students a sense of excitement and enthusiasm,” he said.

Crossley, now a Professor Emeritus, helped to write the first edition of the “Drug Information Handbook for Dentistry” with Richard L. Wynn, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, and Timothy F. Meiller, DDS, PhD, professor, Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, both of UMSOD. Now in its 30th edition, it is the most recognized chairside dental drug reference book.

After a chance encounter with members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Crossley was asked to speak to law enforcement officers. Soon after, he was speaking at countless law enforcement agencies throughout the country, leading courses on the pharmacology of street drugs including heroin and cocaine.

For almost 40 years, Crossley served on the Maryland State Dental Association’s Well-Being Committee. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists. He served as a consultant for the DEA and other law enforcement agencies and, in 2008, received the Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award from the Chicago Dental Society. Crossley is one of 12 dentists (in 113 years) to be honored as member of the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Society. 

Upon his retirement from UMSOD in 2004, he said, “I’ve just had a wonderful experience. I’ve been blessed with good health, a wonderful family, and friends. I feel very fortunate.”

Stephanie L. Dennison, DDS ’15

For her dedication to advancing oral health equity and leadership in dental education and interprofessional collaboration, Stephanie Dennison is the 2025 Rising Dental Health Leader Award honoree.

This award recognizes a University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) graduate from the past decade whose achievements have positively impacted the perception of the dental profession and who has shown outstanding service to the community.

“It is truly incredible to watch the transformation that takes place in a student as they progress through their clinical training,” said Dennison, a clinical assistant professor and general practice director in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at UMSOD. In that role, she teaches and mentors predoctoral dental students. She also provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art general dentistry to patients at U.M. FDSP Associates, a nonprofit affiliate of UMSOD.

After graduating from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Dennison earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2015 from UMSOD, where she was awarded the Quintessence Award for Academic Excellence and the Dean’s Outstanding Community Service Award. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at NYU Lutheran Medical Center in 2016.

Dennison’s passion for health care and service was inspired early on by her father, a dedicated primary care physician. “My father was my initial inspiration to pursue a career in health care,” she said. “He worked tirelessly for his patients. Growing up, I was able to see how his efforts translated to patient health and well-being.”

As a recipient of the National Health Service Corps four-year scholarship, Dennison committed herself to serving underserved communities. From 2016 to 2018, she worked as a lead general dentist at Choptank Community Health System in Cambridge, Md., where she played a pivotal role in establishing a prenatal dental referral program, extended treatment hours for patients, and provided dental care for migrant patient populations.

She also served as clinical faculty for the NYU Lutheran AEGD program and supervised dental student externs from UMSOD and the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. She continued her mission-driven work at Chase Brexton Health Care from 2018 to 2022.

Dennison joined UMSOD as a full-time faculty member in April 2022. Her responsibilities include mentoring third- and fourth-year dental students, directing the course Diagnostic Competency for Class II and Class III Caries, and engaging in research. She received a 2022-23 University of Maryland, Baltimore Center for Interprofessional Education seed grant for a project integrating dental providers into sleep medicine teams to address obstructive sleep apnea.

She is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a certified dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and diplomate candidate with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. She also is an active member of professional organizations including the American Dental Education Association, Maryland Sleep Society, American Association of Women Dentists, and AADSM.

Dana Godbout Laake, RDH, BS ’87, MS, LDN

For her transformative work on behalf of her profession and for creating innovative solutions for those living with complex health conditions, Dana Godbout Laake is the 2025 Linda DeVore Hygiene Dental Hygiene Alumni honoree.   

The annual award recognizes a dental hygiene graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) who represents the integrity, intellectual curiosity, community-mindedness, and leadership epitomized by the late DeVore. A committed educator, DeVore was active in dental hygiene education, scholarship, and public service, serving as chair of UMSOD’s Department of Dental Hygiene from 1993 to 2003 and president of the American Dental Education Association in 1994.   

Laake earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UMSOD; Master of Science in nutrition from the University of Maryland, College Park; and a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) certificate from Temple University. Although she worked as a clinical hygienist for 23 years, her accomplishments span the medical and dental professions. A licensed dietitian nutritionist, she also focused on patient care at Dana Laake Nutrition, a medical nutrition practice that has been located in Maryland since 1997.   

Co-author of “The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook” and “The ADHD and Autism Nutritional Supplement Handbook,” Laake is a popular contributor to journals, newsletters, and blogs. For decades, she hosted the “Health, Lifestyle & Nutrition for the 21st Century” radio show on WTOP-1500 AM in Washington D.C. She has been a sought-after guest speaker on National Public Radio and cable TV shows and has presented more than 500 courses and workshops to the health communities.

The first registered licensed hygienist in the country to receive a gubernatorial appointment to a state board of dental examiners, Laake served two terms on the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. She also served for decades on the Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners and was the first dental hygienist to serve on its Dental Examination Committee. A longtime advocate, she worked as a Maryland House of Delegates legislative assistant on health issues and received two gubernatorial appointments to the Maryland Department of Health’s State Board of Dietetic Practice. 

 “When I was first appointed to the Maryland Board of Dental Examiners, I was advised by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association that my goal was to stay on the board,” she said. “Although the change that occurred in Maryland was extremely controversial — it was the 1970s — and a serious concern among the dental boards, the Maryland board recommended enthusiastically that the inclusion of dental hygienists on the boards would be beneficial. This support ultimately resonated throughout the country, resulting in positive changes. I have always been appreciative of the Maryland board for its support and integrity.” 

 Laake’s transformative efforts on behalf on those with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been recognized with many honors, including being named a 50th Anniversary Outstanding Alumnus by Temple University in 1977. 

 Guy Alexander, DDS ’82

In recognition of his dedication to promoting excellence in oral health service and exemplary leadership through organized dentistry, Guy Alexander, DDS ’82, is the 2024 Distinguished Public Service Award honoree.

This award recognizes a graduate for meritorious professional leadership and service to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and the community.

“My passion for contributing to the dental community is based on my desire to increase or maintain the well-being of people, whether it’s in relationship to the School of Dentistry, organized dentistry, private practice, or volunteering,” said Alexander, who runs two private dental practices in Pikesville, Md., and Baltimore. He has specialized in general dentistry for over 40 years.

After graduating from Morgan State University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Alexander earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1982 from UMSOD.

He is actively engaged and supportive of his alma mater through leadership and mentorship. Since the year of his graduation, he has served as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors; from 2013 to 2014, he served as its president.

A longtime member of UMSOD’s Board of Visitors, he also has donated his time and expertise as a member of the Dean’s Faculty program, participating in the Access Carroll program since 2016.

Alexander holds leadership roles in myriad community service organizations including as a member of the Parish Council and Men’s Chorus for St. Francis Xavier Church; past president of the Holy Name Society; and board member of Uniting for Life.

Additionally, he has played an active role in several professional dental organizations such as the Maryland State Dental Association, for which he serves and has previously served on various committees, and the Baltimore City Dental Society, for which he has served as a trustee, delegate, executive board member, and president. Since 2013, he also has been a distinguished fellow of the American College of Dentists.

Being a part of organized dentistry and collaborating with fellow oral health care providers has allowed him the chance to improve patient care and better serve his community, Alexander said.

Maj. Gen. (Ret) Thomas Robert Tempel, Jr., DDS ’91

This award honors a graduate for significant professional accomplishments in science, dentistry, or education. In recognition of his leadership, service to country and profession, mentorship, and dedication to patient care, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Thomas Robert Tempel, Jr., DDS ’91, is the 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award honoree. 

“Throughout my 27 years of active duty in the Army, I learned the value of teamwork and what can be accomplished when people are inspired by a trusted leader,” said Tempel, associate dean for Extramural Clinical Practices, East Carolina University (ECU) School of Dental Medicine. In this leadership role, he oversees senior dental students and residents throughout the school’s network of eight University-owned Community Service Learning Centers and 16-chair dental clinics located in rural and underserved communities across the state of North Carolina. 

Tempel also serves as a Diplomate of the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry and the American Board of General Dentistry and is a fellow in the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. He is an active member of several organizations including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Education Association, Military Officer Association, Association of the United States Army, Association of Army Dentistry and Army Special Forces Association. 

After graduating from Gettysburg College in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Tempel earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1991 from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). In 1992, he completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Fort Jackson, S.C., and in 1998, a two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at Fort Bragg, N.C. He also earned a Masters in Strategic Sciences in 2007 from the U.S. Army War College.  

While a student at UMSOD, Tempel served as third-and fourth-year class president and was a member of the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontics Honor Society. He also received the Nathan David Gold Memorial Award, which recognizes a senior who has shown the greatest empathy and understanding for patients during clinical practice, along with awards in recognition of his work in removable prosthodontics and care for patients with special needs.  

Upon graduating in 1991, Tempel entered full-time service in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. He held assignments with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, the U.S. Army War College, and several Special Operations units, in addition to leading medical and dental units throughout the United States and Europe. Tempel was appointed Chief of the U.S. Army Dental Corps in 2014 and continued in this role until his retirement in 2018. 

His leadership and service has received wide recognition. Tempel received the David B. Kriser Medal in 2016 from New York University Dental School, its highest form of recognition, and two Presidential Citations in 2017 and 2018 from the American Dental Association. In addition, he received several military awards from the Army including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. 

“Working on interprofessional teams throughout my career as a clinician and leader engrained the need for dentistry to be part of primary care,” Tempel said. “Helping our future dentists understand the value of organized dentistry and mentorship will ensure our profession maintains high ethical standards while serving the health needs of the community.” 

Tempel met his wife Kathy while at UMSOD and has one daughter who is a third year dental student at ECU and on an Army HPSP Scholarship.  He shares the pride of being a UMSOD graduate with his brother Carl (DDS-94) and gives credit for the values he developed to his parents and two generations of dentists and leaders in his family before him. 

Kathryn Pawlak, DDS ’19 

In recognition of her early-career efforts to influence children's dental health and contribute to the advancement of the pediatric dentistry field, Kathryn Pawlak, DDS ’19, is this year’s Rising Dental Health Leader Award honoree. 

This award honors a graduate from the past 10 years whose accomplishments enhance the perception of the dental profession and who has demonstrated remarkable service to the community. 

“As a pediatric dentist, I have the privilege of playing a crucial role in establishing early good oral health habits, which can have lasting effects on a child's overall well-being,” said Pawlak, an attending clinician at University Pediatric Dentistry. In that role, she teaches pre-doctoral dental students and post-doctoral residents. She also treats patients at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., where she works closely with the Hematology and Oncology Department. 

After graduating from Hobart William Smith Colleges in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Health Professions, Pawlak earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2019 from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and a certificate in pediatric dentistry in 2021 from the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. 

Early on, Pawlak showed a passion for serving others — particularly children.   

In 2013, while an undergraduate, she founded the non-profit, Planet Smilez, Inc, a non-profit dedicated to educating children from underserved communities about the importance of oral health care. 

During her first year at UMSOD in 2015, Pawlak started a Baltimore chapter of Planet Smilez and partnered with the Port Discovery Children’s Museum First Saturday program to teach toddlers proper brushing and flossing habits.  

Pawlak additionally formed a partnership between Planet Smilez and the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) CURE Scholars program. As a first-year dental student, she organized a summer camp featuring a week of intensive mentoring and immersive learning aimed at preparing middle and high school students from under-represented minority communities in West Baltimore for careers in health care and science.  

Called “Planet Smilez Discovering Dentistry Camp,” it offers hands-on learning opportunities for CURE Scholars to teach them about oral health prevention, nutrition, oral cancer prevention, and the importance of oral hygiene. It also offers career guidance opportunities for youth interested in careers in STEM.  

“By empowering children to become advocates for their community’s dental IQ, we foster a culture of health awareness and responsibility,” she said. “Our educational efforts are designed to introduce children to STEM and oral health careers as early as middle school, with the hope of inspiring future paths in dental assisting, dental hygiene, dentistry, academia or dental research.” 

To ensure optimum oral health for the CURE Scholars, she established the UMB CURE Scholars Oral Health Promotion, which provides dental exams and sealants to the scholars.  While at UMSOD, she also was a member of the Practice Management Club; the Maryland Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Maryland State Dental Association; and UMB President’s Student Leadership Institute, which provides interprofessional leadership training. 

For her strong commitment to serving the Baltimore community as a student and pediatric dental clerk, Pawlak was recognized nationally by Delta Dental, Dental Trade Alliance, Hispanic Dental Association, and the American Dental Education Association. In addition, she received the UMB CURE Scholars Program Champion Award in 2016; Dean’s Award for Outstanding Community Service; and UMSOD’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry Humanitarian Award, both in 2019.  

Since 2019, she has returned to Baltimore annually to complete her outreach with the UMB Cure Scholars. This summer, she is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Oral Health to host a Planet Smilez Discovering Dentistry Symposium for high school students from underserved areas in Maryland who are interested in dentistry.   

For her continued work with Planet Smilez, Pawlak in 2021 received the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Resident Recognition Award, which recognizes pediatric dental residents' innovation and outreach. In the same year, Pawlak was recognized by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) Richard Pugh Scholars Award for examiners who score in the top three percent of the written portion of the ABPD board examination. 

She also served as a Diplomate of the ABPD in 2022 and currently serves as a member of several professional societies including the American Dental Education Association, American Association of Women Dentists, New York Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Northeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry.  

Marion Manski, MS ’04, BSDH ’88, RDH

For her trailblazing efforts to advance and support the next generation of dental hygiene professionals throughout her more than 40-year career, Marion Manski, MS ’04, BSDH ’88, RDH, is this year’s Linda DeVore Dental Hygiene Alumnus Award honoree. 

The annual award recognizes a dental hygiene graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) who represents the integrity, intellectual curiosity, community-mindedness, and leadership epitomized by the late DeVore. DeVore was active in dental hygiene education, scholarship​,​ and public service. She served as chair of UMSOD’s Department of Dental Hygiene from 1993 to 2003 and president of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) in 1994.  

Nominees are selected based on education and training, records of exceptional work experience, activism within the profession, and impact on the future of dental hygiene. 

“I was fortunate to have Linda DeVore as my mentor,” Manski said. “She inspired me to think outside the box, to take risks, and to critically think about my profession.” 

Manski earned her certificate and associate degree from the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists and Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. in 1983. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from UMSOD in 1988. She then completed a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Maryland Graduate School in 2004.  

Before joining UMSOD, Manski practiced dental hygiene in a general and pediatric practice. She served as director of Admissions from 2005 to 2018 and director of the Dental Hygiene Program from 2011 to 2018. She​​ served her profession locally in Maryland as president of the Maryland Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA); Connecticut as trustee of the Southeastern Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Association; and Virginia as education liaison of the Virginia Dental Hygienists'’ Association. She has served nationally for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), and the ADEA, and has presented on a national and international scale. 

A recipient of many honors, Manski received the University of Maryland’s 2005 Excellence in Teaching Dental Hygiene Award, which recognizes superb instructional performance in the dental hygiene program; the 2008 UMSOD Dental Hygiene Teacher of the Year Award; and the 2013 Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association Symbol of Excellence Award​.  ​ 

In addition, she was honored nationally in 2016 as a "Mover and Shaker" in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene's Annual Six Dental Hygienists You Want to Know. The ADHA honored Manski in 2017 with the ADHA Irene Newman Award, which honors individuals who advance the art and science of the dental hygiene profession. 

She was appointed by former Gov. Larry Hogan to serve on the Maryland Commission for Women from 2015 to 2018, which advises the executive and legislative branches of government on the issues of concern to women and girls in Maryland. 

Manski currently serves as director and associate professor, Department of General Practice, Division of Dental Hygiene, at Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry in Richmond, Va. She also serves as a reviewer and editorial advisory board member for multiple dental journals including Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, and Perspectives on the Midlevel Practitioner Journal. 

Manski spearheaded efforts to expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists. She was active in the MDHA from 1986 to 2018 and created UMSOD’s first didactic and hands on local anesthesia course in 2006. Manski also served as Legislative co-chair of the MDHA in 2009, and her work with the MDHA and the Maryland State Dental Association led to the 2009 passing of Maryland dental hygienists' ability to administer local anesthesia. She was instrumental in other advocacy efforts in Maryland and Connecticut and continues to advocate in Virginia.  

In addition to her legislative work, Manski's commitment to advancing the dental hygiene profession is exemplified through other diverse contributions such as continuing education speaking and outstanding educator roles. She also currently serves on the ADEA’s Board of Directors, representing the Council of Allied Dental Program Directors. 

Manski remains dedicated to lifelong learning through her recent publications and ongoing pursuit of a doctorate.  

“Dental hygienists need to see how valuable and important they are to the practice of dentistry,” Manski said. “The profession is so much more than ‘cleaning teeth.’ We are the education and prevention experts in dentistry.” 

Charles A. Doring, DDS ’87

This award recognizes a graduate for meritorious professional leadership and service to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and the community. The 2023 recipient is Charles A. Doring, DDS ’87, in recognition of his advocacy on behalf of his profession, his alma mater, and the oral health of all Maryland residents.

As an undergraduate majoring in zoology at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), Doring got the first inkling that dentistry might be the career for him when an upper front tooth began to hurt. After a sleepless night and a successful visit to his family practitioner, Doring found himself intrigued by the profession. “I began thinking, ‘maybe this is what I should do,’” he said.

A few years later, Doring completed his Bachelor of Science degree at UMCP and applied to dental school. In 1987, he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at UMSOD. He then entered a general dental practice residency at Georgetown University Hospital where he discovered what became a life-long interest in treating children, the elderly, and physically or mentally compromised patients.

“At the hospital, I really enjoyed working with patients with complicated medical histories and liked the teamwork involved in collaborating with nurses, doctors and dieticians,” he said.

For the past 35 years, Doring has been a partner at North Bethesda Dental Associates in Rockville, Md. and has served for a decade on the medical staff at the Hebrew Home of Washington. From 1998-2022, he also was a member of the medical staff at the Rockville Nursing Home.

Throughout the years, Doring has worked in myriad leadership roles as an advocate on behalf of the dental profession and public. Since 2010, he has chaired the Legislative Affairs Committee of the Maryland State Dental Association.

“It has been extremely interesting,” Doring said of his years of legislative work. ‘What I thought would be a job that typically lasted 90 days each year has turned out to be a year-round project. To be successful, you have to maintain relationships with leadership and legislators and regulators throughout the state, throughout the year.”

Doring also is a past-president of the Southern Maryland Dental Society and a delegate to the American Dental Association House of Delegates. He has a Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry as well as Fellowship in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. A longtime believer in lifelong education, he has presented continuing education classes at myriad local and national dental and medical meetings.

At UMSOD, he has taught as a member of the Dean’s Faculty since 2004. From 1998-2009, he was a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors — serving as board president from 2006-08. Additionally, from 2017-22, he was the school of dentistry’s campaign chair during the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Catalyst Campaign.

“Ever since I graduated, I’ve always kind of been involved,” he said. “I try to be a presence whether it’s teaching a course in geriatric dentistry or conducting mock interviews with dental hygiene students or being an advisor as needed to mentor students.”

Douglas Barnes, DDS '83, MS

This award honors a graduate for significant professional accomplishments in science, dentistry, or education. In 2023, it recognizes Douglas Barnes, DDS ’83, MS, professor and chief dental officer, Faculty Practice-Clinics of Excellence at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) in recognition of his dedication to providing superlative dental care to all in need and commitment to educating and mentoring the next generation of oral health leaders.

Strong mentorship provided by a football coach (and dentist) and a second local practitioner who allowed the then-teenaged youth to shadow him at his private dental practice played a role in Barnes’s decision to pursue a career in oral health. Little wonder, then, that Barnes, has been deeply committed to excellence in education and mentorship throughout his professional years.

Barnes received his DDS in 1983 and certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) in 1984 from UMSOD. He also earned a master’s degree in oral biology from the University of Maryland Graduate School in 1992 and completed three-month NIH fellowships in clinical research at the University of Washington in 1995 and 2002.

In 1984, after completing his AEGD certificate, Barnes spent a year at private practice in Winoski, Vt. “Many of our patients were children from underserved populations and had significant dental problems; they had no fluoride at the time,” he recalled.

He then returned to UMSOD’s AEGD program as an instructor; two years later, he became the program’s assistant director. In 1997, he was named a professor and, over the years, served in myriad leadership roles, including as director of the AEGD program, division chief of the Division of General Dentistry, chair of the Department of General Dentistry, and, for the past six years, in his current role.

Deeply committed to education, Barnes was the founding director in 2006 of the Diamond Scholars Program, through which several of UMSOD’s highest achieving dental students each year are offered opportunities to work alongside AEGD residents on complex cases further to hone their clinical skills. “I wanted students who were achieving well beyond their requirements to have the opportunity to treat more complex cases in a collegial environment with second-year residents acting as mentors in addition to faculty members,” he said.

These days, he continues to teach in the Diamond Scholars Program. He also has been a member of the associate graduate faculty at the Graduate School since 1993.

Barnes is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, International College of Dentists, Gamma Pi Delta honor societies, as well as the American Dental Education Association, American Dental Association, International Association for Dental Research and American Association for Dental Research. A clinical dental materials researcher, he is a prolific author and has presented lectures on esthetic dentistry in the U.S. and internationally.

He and his wife, Christine Barnes, RDH, clinical instructor in UMSOD’s Division of Periodontics, Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, have six children and one grandchild. Additionally, two of their children are UMSOD alumni: Drew practices general dentistry in Easton, Md., and Kevin is an orthodontics resident at UMSOD.

Harlyn K. Susarla, DMD, MPH, Peds ’16

This award recognizes a graduate from the past 10 years whose accomplishments enhance the perception of the dental profession and who has demonstrated remarkable service to the community. The 2023 award honors Harlyn K. Susarla, DMD, MPH, Peds ’16, in recognition of her advocacy on behalf of children’s oral health and commitment to serving her profession.

As a child, Susarla, the daughter of a physician and a scientist, had dreams of being a doctor and helping others, played violin, loved drawing, and competed as a figure skater. In dentistry, she discovered a profession that drew upon many of the skills she had honed in her youth. “I always thought I wanted to be a pediatrician, but as I got older, I realized there were many ways to be involved in health care,” she said.

“I began looking into dentistry and worked as dental assistant. I also have an artistic background, and I began to realize that nearly every aspect of dentistry allows you to use your hands. Additionally, dentistry allows you to help make change in so many ways – clinically, through research, teaching, leadership, and advocacy.”

Susarla, who lives in Seattle, WA, is a 2006 graduate of Wellesley College. In 2009, she completed a Master of Public Health degree at Boston University. In 2013, she was awarded her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and followed that with a pediatric dental residency at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD).

“I truly feel grateful to have been a resident at Maryland. The faculty there fostered a sense of wonder in all of us,” she said. “We had the unique opportunity to be in involved in clinical care in a dental school setting, in a hospital, and in a community-based clinic. I appreciated that I was able to learn about different aspects of care and how to be a critical thinker, and [after the residency] really missed being involved with an interdisciplinary team treating medically complex patients.”

Since then, the mother of two daughters has built a multifaceted career as a pediatric dentist, educator, and advocate on behalf of the dental profession. Last year, she was named by the American Dental Association as a 10 Under 10 Award recipient, in recognition of her advocacy for children's oral health and dedication to service.

After seven years in private practice, Susarla will be joining the dental team at the Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she will participate in all aspects of hospital dental practice: the ambulatory clinic, operating room, emergency department, and throughout the hospital where dental consultation is needed. In this role, she will continue to supervise and teach pediatric dental residents as an affiliate assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

Susarla participates in organized dentistry at the local, state, and national levels, as well. She is the president-elect of the Seattle-King County Dental Society, where she is a delegate and a member of the special committee on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

She also serves on the nominations committee and the DEI workgroup for the Washington State Dental Association and is a Washington state representative for the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry district board of trustees and a past president of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Nationally, she serves as a trustee for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Foundation, is the new diplomate representative for the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a consultant on the AAPD Council on Scientific Affairs, the consumer review committee, and the committee on early career pediatric dentists. She also has published numerous book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed medical and dental literature.

Her interest in organized dentistry began at UMSOD, Susarla said. “When I was a resident, I was invited by a faculty member to one of the Maryland Pediatric Academy of Dentistry board meetings. That is when I realized that I could make a difference and meaningfully impact the practice of dentistry. It is through my experiences at UMSOD that I decided to make a lifelong commitment to promote high quality, equitable care for every child, and advocate for my colleagues and our profession.”

Lisa Bress, RDH ’83, MS ’94 

This award recognizes a dental hygiene graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) who represents the integrity, intellectual curiosity, community-mindedness, and leadership epitomized by DeVore. The 2023 award recognizes Lisa Bress, RDH, MS, clinical associate professor and division chief, Dental Hygiene Program, Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics.

“I feel so honored to receive this award. Linda [Devore] was a special mentor for me while I was a student and in my faculty role,” Bress said. “As a leader, she guided and supported faculty without micromanaging and empowered us to rise to the occasion and reach our potential.”

In addition to her role as division chief of UMSOD’s Dental Hygiene Program, Bress, who has been a faculty member since 1995, has worked to develop strategic partnerships and programs aimed at expanding access to oral health care to Maryland’s underserved populations.

She is the principal investigator of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Prenatal Postpartum Advisory Board (PPAB), a state-wide advisory group of community mothers from the B’More for Healthy Babies program and health professionals from institutions including the University of Maryland schools of medicine and dentistry.

The PPAB works to help jump-start Maryland’s new expanded Medicaid dental benefits for postpartum mothers and all adults (effective April 2022 and January 2023, respectively) with the aim of increasing health equity. Now in its second year, PPAB is sponsored by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In 2018, Bress launched and continues to direct an innovative collaboration between UMSOD and the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Women’s Health Center (UMWHC), which integrates oral health into prenatal care offered to underserved mothers in Baltimore.

Through it, women who come to UMWHC for prenatal care are referred to UMSOD student providers for urgent and comprehensive dental services. Since its inception, the program has provided oral health care services and education to nearly 600 pregnant individuals.

Bress also has worked to develop partnerships aimed at expanding access to oral health care with other organizations that target underserved populations in Cecil County, Md., and through Baltimore-based programs such as Paul’s Place Homeless Center, the Back to School Fair in Baltimore County, the UMB CURE Scholars Program, and the Healthy Habit Port Discovery Program.

Her aim is to transfer classroom lessons to in-person activities through which dental hygiene students serve the community while gaining experiences with the potential to impact their careers.

“Working with underserved communities gives me the opportunity to share knowledge, which helps individuals to make informed decisions that improve their health. That is what’s most rewarding,” Bress said.

“I like to think that I model this behavior so that we graduate students who are interested in advancing oral health and helping the whole person.”

Her approach has been appreciated: Bress has been honored by senior students in 2004 with an Excellence in Teaching Award and named Teacher of the Year in 1999, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012.

Garner D. Morgan, DDS ‘80

This award recognizes a graduate for meritorious professional leadership and service to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and the community. The 2022 recipient is Garner D. Morgan, DDS ’80, in recognition of his dedication to providing excellent dental care to those most in need.  

Morgan graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science In Biology in 1976. He went on to earn his DDS in 1980 from UMSOD, then known as the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. He served as the 1979 class vice president and as president of the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontics Society during his time at the school. In 1980, Morgan established a private practice in Mechanicsville, Md. Since opening his dental practice, he has remained an active member of the American Dental Association. He is the immediate past president of the Maryland State Dental Association and a member of the Southern Maryland and Patuxent Study clubs.  

His commitment to the community is evidenced through his service on numerous boards, including those of St. Mary’s Nursing Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, Mother Catherine Spalding School, Southern Maryland Wood Treatment Task Force, St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, the St. Mary’s Business, Education, and Community Alliance, and the Rotary Club. Additionally, Morgan is a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, Md. 

During his tenure as president of MSDA, Morgan was instrumental in developing a protocol for over 40 Mission of Mercy events throughout Maryland, which set the tone for the initiative and allowed thousands of uninsured and underserved Marylanders to receive oral health care. Mission of Mercy programs ranged from providing necessary treatment and dentures to groups of approximately 50 patients at one Mission of Mercy to providing essential care to over 700 patients during a two-day dental clinic. Morgan and a team of passionate colleagues founded the Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy. Their first clinic was held in rural St. Mary’s County at a local high school.  In addition to serving as chairperson for these clinics, Morgan also delivered direct patient care. His dedication was recognized in 2012 with the Maryland Rural Health Association Outstanding Rural Health Practitioner Award. 

Wanda G. Wright, DDS ’88, MS

Jordan L. Virden, DDS ’17, ’19

Oksana P. Mishler, RDH ’09, MS ’12, DHSc

Louis G. DePaola, DDS ’75, MS ’84

W. King Smith, DDS ’65

Darien J. Weatherspoon, DDS ’10, MPH

This award recognizes a graduate from the past 10 years whose accomplishments enhance the perception of the dental profession and who has demonstrated remarkable service to the community. The 2021 award honors Darien J. Weatherspoon, DDS ’10, MPH, in recognition of his early-career efforts to improve the nation’s overall health by reducing oral health disparities and promoting oral health in underserved populations.

As director of the Oral Health Disparities and Inequities Research Program at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health (NIH); Weatherspoon oversees a diverse portfolio of active research grants, collaborates with NIH partners on research initiatives, and identifies gaps in research that, when addressed, will improve the oral health of the underserved.

After graduating in 2002 from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce, he began his professional life conducting information systems audits at an accounting firm, but soon realized that he wanted to have a more tangible, positive impact on people’s lives. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2010 from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). Two years later, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency and received his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. He also worked as a clinical instructor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in the Department of Cardiology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics. Subsequently, he went on to complete a dental public health residency at the NIDCR, and later achieved board-certification in the specialty of dental public health.

Before joining the NIDCR in 2016, Weatherspoon served as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and the Division of Prevention and Public Health Sciences, where he conducted oral health disparities research and helped to administer the college’s community-based service-learning program. He also volunteered as a dentist at CommunityHealth, a clinic that provides health care services to low-income and uninsured individuals in Chicago.  

For the past five years, in addition to his duties as a program director, Weatherspoon has mentored rising dental public health trainees through the NIDCR’s Residency Training Advisory Committee and the Research Advisory Group. He also has received several awards including a 2018 NIDCR Individual Special Act or Service Award, which recognizes exemplary service to NIDCR’s mission. 

Weatherspoon has written or co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, or book chapters and frequently has presented at international and national conferences including those of the International Association of Dental Research and the National Dental Association. 

He additionally sits on numerous federal committees including as project assistant for the Surgeon General’s 2020 Oral Health Report; NIH liaison for the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force; and as a member of the Tribal Health Research Coordinating Committee; the Health and Human Services Health Literacy Workgroup; and the Fogarty International Center/Global Health Research Working Group.

Dianna S. Weikel, RDH, BS ’82, MS ’87

Edwin L. Morris, DDS ’74, Orthodontics ’76

Paul S. Rosen, DMD, Periodontics ’88, MS ’90

Andrew Swiatowicz, DDS ’10, FAGD, DABDSM

Jane L. Phillips, RDH, BS ’83, MS ’12

Leslie E. Grant, DDS '86, MSPA

Robert Morris, DDS '69, MPH, FICD

Vanessa Benavent, DDS '09, MSD, FAGD

Susan Camardese, RDH, MS '06

Michael D. Eggnatz, DDS '88

This award recognizes professional leadership and service to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the community. In its second year, the award honors Michael D. Eggnatz, DDS '88, for his leadership, service, and contributions to organized dentistry.‌

Eggnatz has practiced aesthetic, implant, and restorative dentistry for more than 30 years in South Florida and has held several leadership roles. He is now serving as the president of the Florida Dental Association (FDA), and is past president of the South Broward Dental Society and the South Florida District Dental Association. Before becoming president of the FDA, he served the association as a trustee, a Government Affairs Committee member and a 17^th District delegate and alternate to the American Dental Association House of Delegates. He has been an FDA House of Delegate member since 1997. In addition, Eggnatz is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and The Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Eggnatz received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, his DDS from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and his certificate in general practice from the Jackson Memorial Hospital/Veterans Administration Medical Center at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. He comes from a long line of UMSOD alumni:  his father, Lee Eggnatz earned his DDS in 1958, and grandfather, Meyer Eggnatz, earned his DDS in 1928.

Francis G. Serio, DMD, PERIO '86, MBA

‌‌This award honors an alum for significant professional accomplishments in science, dentistry, or education. In its second year, the award recognizes Francis G. Serio, DMD, PERIO '86, MBA, for exceptional achievements in and international contributions to the oral health field.‌

A full-time staff dentist for Greene County Healthcare, Inc. in Snow Hill, Nc., Serio is founder and former co-director of the Dominican Dental Mission Project. During a span of 37 years, the project provided more than $18 million in services to 62,500 of the underserved in rural Dominican Republic. In 1991, the project received The President’s Volunteer Action Award from President George H.W. Bush and in 2001, the Daily Points of Light Award from President George W. Bush. In 2015, Serio received the ADA Humanitarian Award.

Serio completed a bachelor’s degree at The Johns Hopkins University and received his DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his General Practice Residency Certificate from Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, a master’s and certificate in Periodontics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and his MBA from Millsaps College. He was inducted into the Academy of Dentistry International in 1999, the International College of Dentists in 2003, and the American College of Dentists in 2004.

Serio served as the interim vice dean and associate dean for Clinical Affairs and was a tenured professor at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. He held tenured faculty and administrative positions at the UMSOD and the University of Mississippi. He has presented more than 170 lectures and continuing education courses in the United States and around the world. 

Jane Casper, RDH '99, MS

This award is named for Linda DeVore, RDH, MA and recognizes a dental hygiene alumnus of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry who represents the integrity, intellectual curiosity, community-mindedness, and leadership epitomized by Ms. DeVore. Now in its sixth year, the award honors Ms. Jane Casper, RDH ’99, for her exceptional achievements and leadership within the dental hygiene profession and beyond.

Casper received a certificate in Dental Hygiene from Howard University, a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and a master’s in Applied Sociology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Casper is passionately engaged in public health issues and increasing access to oral health care. As co-chair of the Maryland Dental Action Committee, a diverse group dental and medical professionals as well as child advocates and insurers, Jane helped to craft many changes in Maryland’s oral health care system that followed the unexpected death of a 12 year old boy who died when an untreated dental infection spread to his brain. Jane advocated and helped to secure funding for the expansion of oral safety net clinics, fought for and helped to achieve increased Medicaid reimbursement rates throughout the state and was instrumental in the passage of Maryland’s Public Health Dental Hygiene Act.

Jane works as a clinical dental public health specialist for the Maryland Office of Oral Health, where she provides clinical advice on dental issues to colleagues at the Maryland department of health and other stakeholders throughout the state. In addition, she serves as the Maryland Dental Hygienist Liaison for Head Start. She is past president of the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners where she currently serves on the board. Jane, is also a board member of the Maryland Dental Action Coalition and has received the Presidential Citation from the Maryland State Dental Association. Jane also volunteered as a member of the Dean’s Faculty at UMSOD.

Barry L. Cohan, DDS '74, '76

This award recognizes meritorious professional leadership and service to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the community. In its inaugural year, the award honors Barry L. Cohan, DDS ’74, ’76 for his leadership, service, and contributions to the oral health field, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and the residents of Maryland.

Cohan graduated in 1974 from the School of Dentistry and two years later received a certificate in pediatric dentistry. He also completed a fellowship in the department of surgery at the John F. Kennedy Institute of the Johns Hopkins Hospital and a two-year program in facial pain and temporomandibular joint disorders at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

For more than 40 years, Cohan has run a private family practice of dentistry in Baltimore while steadfastly contributing his time, wealth, and knowledge to the School of Dentistry and the community.

Cohan is a member of the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners and serves as a CDCA examiner. He is a past president of the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and currently sits on the Board of Visitors and the University of Maryland, Baltimore President's Roundtable. Since 2011, he has served as a part-time assistant professor on the Dean's Faculty, spending two days a week teaching residents and undergraduate students in pediatric dentistry and facial pain.

Cohan’s professional honors include induction into the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, Gorgas Dental Scholarship Honor Society, and the Gamma Pi Delta Honor Society in Prosthetic Dentistry. He is a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and a fellow in both the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists.

Cohan has been generous with his time and support throughout the larger community, as well. An active member of his synagogue, he also is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award (the highest award bestowed upon a volunteer) for his service to the Boy Scouts of America and serves on the Eagle Board of Review. Since 2004, he has served as the Fleet Surgeon for the Baltimore Yacht Club and was named "Yachtsman of the Year" by the Chesapeake Commodores Club. Additionally, he is a commander and qualifications examiner for the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

A longtime supporter of the school, Cohan was the first alumnus to give a major grant in support of the new School of Dentistry building. He and his wife, Adele, have established, among other initiatives, a scholarship for a senior student who wishes to continue their education in pediatric dentistry. Cohan looks forward to continuing his efforts to help position the school as a world leader in dental education. He feels that “giving back is so important and fulfilling.”

Jon B. Suzuki, DDS '82, PhD, MBA‌

This award honors an alumnus for significant professional accomplishments in science, dentistry, or education. In its inaugural year, the award recognizes Jon B. Suzuki for his exceptional achievements in and contributions to the oral health field.  

A member of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry Dean’s Faculty, Suzuki serves as chair of the Food and Drug Administration Dental Products Panel as well as professor of microbiology and immunology in the School of Medicine and professor of periodontology and oral implantology at Temple University.

Suzuki received his DDS from Loyola University of Chicago and PhD in microbiology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He completed a National Institutes of Health fellowship in immunology at the University of Washington in Seattle, a clinical certificate in periodontics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and an MBA at the Katz Graduate School of Business of the University of Pittsburgh.

Suzuki, who has a hospital appointment at Temple Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia, is on the faculty of the U.S. Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He is past chair of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs and is an ADA consultant on the Scientific Council, Dental Practice Council, and the Commission on Dental Accreditation, Chicago.

Suzuki’s past appointments include chair and director of graduate periodontology and oral implantology and associate dean for graduate education at Temple University. He also served as dean, chief of hospital dentistry, and chief executive officer of the Faculty Practice Plan at the University of Pittsburgh.

Suzuki is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, diplomate and board examiner of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a specialist microbiologist of the National Registry of Medical Microbiology.

He has published more than 200 papers, chapters and symposia, in addition to a textbook on medical technology. He serves as executive secretary/treasurer of the Supreme Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Honorary Dental Society.

His honors include “Alumnus of the Year” at Loyola University of Chicago and “Faculty of the Year” at the University of Maryland. He also won first place in the Orban Prize Graduate Research Competition of the American Academy of Periodontology and in the ADA SCADA Research Clinic Competition.

Linda Blackiston, RDH, BS '95‌

This award recognizes a dental hygiene alumnus of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry who represents the integrity, intellectual curiosity, community-mindedness, and leadership epitomized by Linda DeVore, RDH, MA. Now in its fifth year, the award honors Linda Blackiston RDH, BS ’95 for her exceptional achievements, activism, and leadership within the dental hygiene profession and beyond.Passionate about changing lives through education, Blackiston received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1995.

As the mid-Atlantic manager of professional education for Philips North America, Blackiston develops curriculum and presentations for dental student and professional groups. A highly sought-after speaker, she has presented professional development and public awareness talks on topics from pediatric oral health to emerging biofilm science. 

Dedicated to spreading awareness about oral health, Blackiston has myriad volunteer commitments including working with the Kansas Mission of Mercy and as a volunteer instructor for Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness (PANDA).

Blackiston’s generosity extends beyond the profession of dental hygiene. Since 2014, she has served as a board member and volunteer at The Samaritan Women, a national Christian organization that advocates and cares for survivors of domestic human trafficking. She also is a member of the technical working group of Stop. Observe. Ask. Respond to Human Trafficking (SOAR), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program that trains health professionals to recognize victims of human trafficking.