Bonifay dentists honored for service to schools

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Dental Association (FDA) at the annual Florida National Dental Convention (FNDC) on June 18 through 20 recognized several dentists. These industry leaders have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the current year or during the course of their lifetime.
 
“Each award recipient exemplifies excellence, integrity and service,” said FDA 2009-2010 President Dr. Charles Hoffman. “Their dedication to the dental profession benefits dentists and the citizens of Florida, and serves as an example to dentists throughout the nation.”
 
The following 2009 award recipients are located in the FDA’s Northwest District:

School Resource Dentist of the Year, Family Dentistry (Bonifay) –
Dr. John Wilson said the practice was honored was honored for their contributions as school resource dentists in Holmes and Washington counties. The dentists are Wilson and Dr. Ernie Hooper, Stan Parker, Brian Parker and Hilary Whittaker.

"We work with the health departments and do exams in the elementary schools," Wilson said. The dentists recommend followup care based on the results of the tests.

Others honored include:
 
Dentist of the Year, Dr. James Walton III (Tallahassee) –
Described by his peers as supremely ethical, trustworthy and kind, Dr. Jay Walton has shown a tireless commitment to promoting dentistry through political advocacy and education at both the state and national level. While he receives this special Dentist of the Year award for his more immediate contributions as president of the Florida Dental Health Foundation, Dr. Walton has distinguished himself as an important contributor on many fronts on dentistry's behalf.
 
Leadership Award, Dr. George Dorris (Shalimar) –
Dr. George Dorris is someone who leads by example. He is never incredibly thoughtful and poised, even in the face of considerable threat. Such was the case this past fall when the stock market collapsed leaving most investments – including those of the FDA – in considerable jeopardy. No one predicted the scope of the global loss, but thankfully the FDA's investments were less volatile due to George's leadership.
 
Over the years, Dr. Dorris has served in many important roles, including serving the maximum possible length as the FDA's treasurer. He has also served on Florida's delegation to the ADA House of Delegates as a member of the ADA's Council on Member Insurance and Retirement Programs, the FDA's House of Delegates and Board of Trustees. He has also serviced in numerous offices of the Okaloosa-Walton Dental Society and the Northwest District Dental Association.
 
Project: Dentists Care Award, Jean Woo (Shalimar) –
Dr. Woo was recognized with this award for dedication to access to care in Florida through the FDA’s Project: Dentists Care program.
 
The FDA is a Tallahassee-based, statewide, professional association representing member-dentists in Florida. Founded in 1884 by 12 dentists, the FDA now has almost 7,000 members, representing about 70 percent of all Florida-licensed dentists. The FDA maintains three offices in Tallahassee and has 60 employees. A constituent society of the ADA, the FDA’s mission is to improve the oral health of Florida residents, promote ethical practice standards and direct the evolution of the practice environment through continuous education and advocacy for the profession and the public.
 
For more information regarding dental health care, visit the FDA at www.floridadental.org, or the ADA at www.ada.org.