Announcement of the 2006 Dental Professional Advisory Committee Awards Nomination Cycle

The Dental Professional Advisory Committee (DePAC) is announcing the 2006 DePAC awards nomination cycle. The date for submission of award nominations will be announced at a later time, but DePAC is requesting review of the awards listed below in preparation for the nomination of PHS commissioned corps or civil service dentists. This year, DePAC is announcing a new award, the Mid-Career Award, which in the near future will be named after a PHS dentist. The award categories are as follows:

The Ernest Eugene Buell Award was established in 1989, in commemoration of the Commissioned Corps Centennial Year. CAPT Buell was the first PHS Commissioned Corps dental officer. He was commissioned in June 1919 and assigned to the Division of Marine Hospitals and Relief. This award is presented annually to a junior dentist who has made a significant contribution in oral health education, research, or service. The criteria upon which this award is based are:

The nominee must be a junior PHS dentist with 0 to 5 years of total employment in the PHS at the time of nomination. Program accomplishment as evidenced by exceptional management of programs traditionally administered by senior level staff or notable achievement in clinical, research, or educational activities. Career recognition as evidenced by exceptional ratings on annual performance evaluations, awards presented by the PHS, and awards/recognition by outside dental organizations. Personal initiative as evidenced by dedication to the principles of the PHS, participation in outside activities, and recognition by community or non-professional groups. Other factors as deemed appropriate by the DePAC, which is the recommending body, and the Chief Dental Officer, who serves as the selecting official.

The Mid-Career USPHS Dental Award (to be named in the future) was established in 2005 by the Chief Dental Officer and is to be presented each year to a mid-career dentist. The initial award will be presented in 2006 and then annually. The criteria upon which this award is based are:

The nominee must be a PHS dentist with 6 to 14 years of total employment in the PHS at the time of nomination. Program accomplishment as evidenced by exceptional management of programs traditionally administered by senior level staff and/or notable achievement in clinical, research, or educational activities. Career recognition as evidenced by exceptional ratings on annual performance evaluations, awards presented by the PHS, and awards/recognition by outside dental organizations. Personal initiative as evidenced by dedication to the principles of the PHS, participation in outside activities, and recognition by community or non-professional groups. • Participation in and/or contribution to the advancement of the PHS Dental category and/or oral health issues by direct involvement in public health activities at the local, state, or national levels, such as, but not limited to, working with a local or state health department, dental society, professional dental or public health organization(s), the Commissioned Officers Association, the DePAC (as a member or participant in a work group), etc. Other factors as deemed appropriate by the DePAC, which is the recommending body, and the Chief Dental Officer, who serves as the selecting official.

The Jack D. Robertson Award was established in 1982 by the Chief Dental Officer, in honor of CAPT Robertson, and is presented each year to a senior dentist whose professional performance best exemplifies the dedication, service, and commitment to the PHS demonstrated by CAPT Robertson during his career. The criteria upon which this award is based are:

The nominee must be a senior PHS dentist with 15 or more years of total employment in the PHS at the time of nomination. Job accomplishment(s) as evidenced by competent management of difficult or complex workloads (e.g., nature and extent of patient treatment contacts or administration of grants), sustained and significant performance levels, and ability to produce results in the face of extreme difficulty. The ability to produce results in the face of extreme difficulty is embodied in an officer’s tenacity to succeed in spite of limited resources. The level of accomplishments is considered relative to the length of service. Clinical billets are considered equivalent, and not subsidiary, to non-clinical billets. Career recognition as evidenced by exceptional ratings on annual performance evaluations, awards presented by the PHS or other Federal agencies, exceptional capability promotions, and awards/recognition by outside dental organizations. Professional standing as evidenced by scholastic attainment, offices or consultant positions held in professional organizations, publications in recognized journals, and letters of appreciation. Personal initiative as evidenced by dedication to the principles of the PHS, participation in outside activities, and recognition by community or non-professional groups. Other factors as deemed appropriate by the DePAC, which serves as the recommending body, and by the Chief Dental Officer, who serves as the selecting official.

The Senior Clinician Dental Award was established in 2001 by the Chief Dental Officer to recognize a senior dentist who has chosen a clinical career track and excels in clinical skills. The criteria upon which this award is based are:

The nominee must be a PHS dentist with 15 or more years of total employment in the PHS at the time of nomination. Presently assigned to a billet involving predominately clinical dentistry. The officer may also be involved in administering a clinical program, clinical dental research, or the professional development of peers. A philosophical commitment to ethical, high quality, appropriate, and cost effective treatment. Ability to produce results despite difficult or adverse situations whether it is patient load or population, lack of resources, or adverse environment. Innovation, maximizing efficiency and productivity. Professional recognition as evidenced by scholastic attainment, official awards, exceptional capability promotions, publications in recognized journals, or professional presentations and recognition by outside dental organizations. A commitment to continuing dental education focusing on improving skills that enhance clinical dentistry. Personal initiative demonstrated through sustained performance during an entire career. Continuous dedication to the principles of the PHS. Additional significant contributions and attributes recognized by the DePAC that serves as the advisory body to the Chief Dental Officer.

Further information on application material, format, and the deadline date will be announced soon. Required material for the nomination of a fellow dentist is available at http://www.phs-dental.org/depac/newfile30.html on the DePAC’s Web page. For further information, please contact CDR Jose C. Rodriguez, DePAC Awards Committee Chairperson, at jrodriguez@abr.ihs.gov

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