MDA Gives Awards
The MDA Annual Awards of Dentist of the Year, Distinguished Service and Outstanding New Dental Leader honor individual dentist members for their contributions to the dental profession and their communities.
- The Dentist of the Year recognizes a member who has demonstrated outstanding service to the dental profession and/or his or her community in the past year.
- The Distinguished Service award is presented to a member with a long history of exemplary service and dedication to the dental profession and organized dentistry.
- The Outstanding New Dental Leader award recognizes an MDA member in practice 10 years or fewer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, professional and ethical conduct, and volunteer activities in their community and organized dentistry.
The following are short summaries of this year's award winners. The MDA congratulates these members and acknowledges the terrific work of all our members serving their communities for the betterment of oral health and the dental profession.
Dr. Brett Durbin, Outstanding New Dental Leader
Acknowledged for his excellent service with the New Dentist Committee, leadership roles within the Greater Springfield Dental Society including President, and a four-year term as trustee on the MDA Board. His relentless optimism, commitment to the profession and authentic concern for others were evident in every role.
Dr. Jackie Miller, Dentist of the Year
Acknowledged for her extensive contributions in addressing dental workforce shortages and promoting frontline, patient-focused efforts while serving as State Dental Director. These programs include the Oral Preventive Assistant pilot project, WIC dental programs, sealant programs, water fluoridation advocacy, dental assisting vo-tech projects and nursing home projects. Dr. Miller has also helped develop and deliver the orthodontic curriculum at KCU College of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Charles Poeschl, Distinguished Service (Posthumously)
Acknowledged and remembered as a bright light to others throughout his 42-year dental career. Dr. Poeschl (“Call me Chuck”) served his profession at every level including as MDA President in 2002-2003. He was very active with the Greater St. Louis Dental Society and a mentor to many. He was involved extensively with the Healthworks! Kid’s Museum and he served as clinical assistant professor at SIU School of Dental Medicine in his later years where he was universally adored by his students and colleagues. We salute Dr. Poeschl and remember him fondly.
