Alabama Dentist Honored with ADA Humanitarian Award

Alabama Dentist Honored with ADA Humanitarian Award

Dental profession honored Dr. Robert Kinsaul during 150th ADA Annual Session

HONOLULU, Oct. 5, 2009 –   The American Dental Association (ADA) recently honored Robert Kinsaul, D.M.D., a general dentist from Phenix City, Ala., with the ADA 2008 Humanitarian Award.

The ADA Board of Trustees selected Dr. Kinsaul for his dedication and volunteer efforts in providing dental care to people in need around the globe, including every continent except Antarctica and Australia.

“I haven't been to Antarctica yet, but I'm going one of these days," said Dr. Kinsaul, who has since 1976 logged 59 international mission trips—from Siberia to South America—to help those in desperate need. "It's been 32 years worth of excitement to me."

The ADA Humanitarian Award was established in 2007 to annually honor an ADA member for outstanding contributions that impact oral health and improve the oral health of underserved populations within the United States and abroad. The ADA honored Dr. Kinsaul during the ADA’s 150th Annual Session and World Marketplace Exhibition in Honolulu, which was held from Sept. 30 through Oct. 4.

"It is clear that Dr. Kinsaul’s humanitarian work has changed the lives of those treated and motivated other dental professionals to get involved," said John. S. Findley, D.D.S, the ADA’s immediate past president.  "It is an honor for the ADA to recognize him as the recipient of the American Dental Association Humanitarian Award."

“Volunteering is the source of my joy," said Dr. Kinsaul, who says he is motivated by his deep religious faith to help others. "It's not about me. It's about a passion for service, a lifestyle that's a formula for peace and joy, a balanced life with giving back. In the process, you can make a difference in peoples' lives and help them re-chart their destinies."

Dr. Kinsaul credits his accomplishments to being organized and receiving lots of help and support from teams of caring individuals who also work on the mission trips. "I work with a variety of organizations, and once you start, it’s like you've joined a network and you start getting invitations from other organizations. Now all I have to do is follow my checklist."

Dr. Kinsaul received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and earned his dental degree from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Alabama Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Endodontic Society, the Christian Medical/Dental Association and the Christian Dental Society. He serves on the Advisory Boards of World Dental Relief, International Healthcare Network, and Healthcare Ministries.

Dr. Kinsaul and his wife are the parents of four children and seven grandchildren.

About the American Dental Association

Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at www.ada.org