SAN FRANCISCO (November 7, 2012) – At the annual meetings of the American College of Dentists (ACD) and the International College of Dentists (ICD), 14 U.S. Army dentists were inducted as new Fellows of these honorary dental organizations, in recognition of their professional achievement and service to the dental profession.
"I congratulate my colleagues in the Army Dental Corps for this honor, which they earned through their remarkable work ethic and spirit of service, to advance dental readiness and wellness initiatives for Soldiers and advocate tenaciously for the oral health of their families and communities," said Col. Arthur Scott, DMD, General Dentistry Consultant to the U.S. Army Surgeon General. "Their personal dedication to duty and the Nation reflects admirably on Army Dentistry, the Army Medical Department, the U.S. Army, and the profession of dentistry."
Only about 3.5 percent of dentists are Fellows of the ACD. Fellowship is granted to those who "have exemplified excellence through their outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society," according to the ACD. The following individuals were recognized as new ACD Fellows on October 18:
- Col. Ingrid Beard-Howell, DDS, FACD
- Col. Glen Fallo, DDS, FACD
- Col. George Hucal, DDS, FACD
- Col. (Ret.) Linda Smith, DDS, FACD
"I am honored to be recognized as a Fellow", said Col. George Hucal, DDS, FACD. "My career in the Army has allowed me the chance to achieve my professional goals doing what I love, instead of worrying about the logistics of starting a practice, establishing a patient base, hiring staff or purchasing equipment. I'm part of one of the largest dental networks in the world and get to care for the Soldiers who protect our nation, and their families."
Fellowship in the ICD is granted "in recognition of a dentist's outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind," according to the ICD. The following officers were inducted as new ICD Fellows on October 19:
- Col. Derrick Carter, DDS, FICD
- Col. Peter Guevara, DDS, FICD
- Col. Karen Keith, DDS, FICD
- Col. Nancy Kuhl-Errickson, DDS, FICD
- Col. J. Dennis Read, DDS, FICD
- Col. James Turonis, DDS, FICD
- Col. Eric Wagner, DDS, FICD
- Lt. Col. Kim Perkins, DDS, FICD
- Lt. Col. Richard Williams, DDS, FICD
- Maj. Thomas Johnson, DDS, FICD
The U.S. Army Dental Corps' 1,045 active duty Dental Corps officers practice in Army dental clinics around the world in specialties including comprehensive dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and dental public health.
About the U.S. Army Medical Department
One of the largest health care networks in the world, Army Health Care offers more than 90 professional health care career paths – more than any other military service. The U.S. Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is one of the most comprehensive health scholarships available today, and covers the complete cost of tuition, certain academic fees, a monthly stipend of more than $2,000, as well as signing bonuses up to $300,000 for select dental specialties. Practicing dentists can join the Army Reserve Dental Corps at any time in their career and may receive a $75,000 special pay bonus in eligible specialties. For more information, visit goarmy.com/amedd/dentist.html.