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Arizona Dentists Awarded for their Commitment to Community, Profession

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Posted: April 11, 2014
This Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) announced its 2014 award winners during its recent Western Regional Dental Convention in Phoenix.  Each year, the AzDA Board of Trustees name dentists for exemplary work in their field and in the community.  The Dentist of the Year award has been awarded to Michael A. Smith, DMD of Phoenix and Michael R. Thompson, DDS of Scottsdale.  The Arizona Award for Recognition of Life-Long Achievement and Enduring Contribution to the Profession of Dentistry Award has been awarded to Bryan Shanahan, DDS of Flagstaff. 
 
The Arizona Dentist of the Year award recognizes dentists who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Association, to the profession of dentistry, and/or to the community in the past year.  Sharing the honor this year are Doctors Smith and Thompson.
 
Michael A. Smith, DMD, a third generation dentist, operates the Biting Edge Family Dentistry in North Phoenix and currently he holds a dual role as Arizona Dental Foundation and Arizona Community Dental Clinic (ACDC) Chair.  Dr. Smith’s dream came true this year with the opening of the ACDC Clinic. This clinic is dedicated to providing a permanent solution to dental access for vulnerable populations in Arizona. Dr. Smith has been the primary driving force to the opening of this clinic from fundraising, soliciting volunteers, treating patients and addressing clinic design and protocol issues.
 
Michael R. Thompson, DDS of Scottsdale a past President of AzDA is the founder of the Precious Smiles Program. Dr. Thompson has also been instrumental in the opening of the Arizona Community Dental Clinic.  His volunteer record is unparalleled and includes John C. Lincoln Children’s Dental Clinic, Arizona Shelter Services Homeless Dental Clinic, Christina’s Smile, Arizona Kidney Foundation, AGD Oral Cancer Walk, Donated Dental Services, Give Kids a Smile, AzMOM, and the Arizona Dental Foundation.  Dr. Thompson says, “Your biggest regrets will not be the mistakes you made along the way, but rather the things you did not attempt.” 
The Arizona Award for Recognition of Life-Long Achievement and Enduring Contribution to the Profession of Dentistry recognizes a dentist who has made a significant contribution to organized dentistry throughout their lifetime.  A dentist must have 20 years or more of continuous membership and participation in the professional affairs of local, state, regional and/or national dental organizations.  
 
Dr. Bryan Shanahan of Flagstaff was this year’s recipient of the Award for Recognition of Life-Long Achievement .Dr. Shanahan is a past President of AzDA and a delegate of the American Dental Association (ADA).  He has also been affiliated with the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry, the American Academy of Computerized Dentistry, the American College of Dentistry, the International College of Dentistry, Pankey Institute, Spear Institute, and the Pride Institute.  Believing in giving back to those we share our community with, he volunteers his time with Big Brothers of Northern Arizona (Past President), NAU Lumberjack Athletic Association, Northern Arizona Cleft Palate/Cranial Facial Team, Kiwanis of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Little League, and Wine & Dine in the Pines.  Originally from Chicago, he has lived in Flagstaff, Arizona for 23 years and has been in private practice since 1991.  Dr. Shanahan has wanted to be a dentist since he was 15 years old.
 
Also recognized during the AzDA House of Delegates was AzDA Executive Director, Kevin Earle.  Kevin was given The President’s Award in appreciation for his support, commitment, and contribution to the Association President.  Kevin Earle has served as the AzDA Executive Director since 2008 and has also been the Executive Director of the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners (BODEX).  
 
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