Natalia Restrepo-Kennedy, clinical associate professor in the Department of Operative Dentistry, presented the Rudy Minger Award to first-year dental student Jessica Grundmeyer. This award is in memory of Dr. Rudy E. Minger for a deserving first-year dental student.

Justine Kolker, professor in the Department of Operative Dentistry, presented the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award to third-year dental student Catalina Uribe Schmit.  It is awarded to a predoctoral student for excellence in operative dentistry.

Kolker also presented the Wallace W. Johnson Operative Dentistry Award, which is given in memory of Dr. Wallace Johnson to a student who has demonstrated outstanding character, professional education, and clinical excellence in operative dentistry.  This year’s award winners were fourth-year dental student Abby Gerhardt and third-year dental student Cecilia Vargas.

Prior to the awards ceremony, Kolker also presented the Walter Williamson to fourth-year dental student Chaz Chambers.  In memory of Dr. Williamson, it is awarded to a deserving dental student who has demonstrated excellence in restorative dentistry.

Sandra Guzman-Armstrong, clinical professor in the Department of Operative Dentistry, presented joint awards from Family Dentistry and Operative Dentistry.  The Caries Management Award was given to Morgan Scholtes and Cyrus Mansouri (not pictured).  This award is presented to deserving graduating fourth-year dental students who excel at providing high-quality comprehensive patient centered care management to complex high caries risk patients.

Prior to the ceremony Marcos Vargas, professor in the Department of Family Dentistry, presented the Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry award to fourth-year dental student Jordan Sillman.  This award is presented to a graduating fourth-year dental student who demonstrates the highest level of clinical proficiency in color and appearance.

Cristina Vidal, assistant professor in the Department of Operative Dentistry, presented the Academy of Dental Materials award to third-year dental student Sarmad Saadi, which is given to a student who has demonstrated excellence in dental materials.

Vidal also presented the Carl Svare Postdoctoral Research Award to third-year operative resident Amit Unnadkat.  This award recognizes a postdoctoral student who has conducted outstanding research in the field of dental materials including biomaterials.

Graduating residents in Operative Dentistry were also recognized.  Congratulations and best wishes to Veronica Sule, Amit Unnadkat and Ala Al Saffer!