Dr. Daniel Castagna

PFA: Awards for the Outstanding in Our Profession

As your Pierre Fauchard Academy Vice President, one of my primary duties is to chair the Awards Committee (as per the Academy's bylaws). This Committee oversees the annual awards process, selection, and proper honoree recognition.

Within our Academy's constitution and bylaws are seven stated objectives. Objective number three states that we are to encourage, through annual awards, outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry and service to the profession.

Thus the Academy's awards help fulfill our founder Dr. Elmer Best's vision and legacy for this honorary service organization. In the last Dental World issue, I reported a summary of all the Academy's recognized awards.

For my report in this Dental World issue, I want to highlight the Pierre Fauchard Academy Gold Medal. The Gold Medal is awarded annually to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the progress and standing of the dental profession.

The Awards Committee solicits and receives nominations for this award from two sources: a committee of the past Gold Medal recipients or the Academy's current Board of Trustees. (Please note: All Academy fellows are encouraged to bring strong candidates to the attention of any past Gold Medal recipients or the Board of Trustees.)

The following qualifications are required for Gold Medal consideration:
• Candidates must have a dental degree or its equivalent
• Candidates must reside in the United States
• Candidates must exhibit a commitment and dedication to the needs of the dental profession
• Candidates must exhibit service and merit above recognized standards After the initial nomination is made and a PFA Fellow's supporting letter is received, further supporting documentation will be solicited by the Awards Committee if needed.

After thorough nominee evaluations, the Awards Committee then recommends a candidate for final approval to the Academy's Board of Trustees. With the Board approval, the recipient is automatically deemed an Academy Honorary Fellow.

The Gold Medal and its accompanying citation are presented to the invited Honoree and his or her spouse/guest at the PFA Awards Luncheon during the annual Academy meeting, which is held concurrently with the American Dental Association meeting. Last October in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Jed J. Jacobson was the 75th recipient of the Gold Medal.

Academy Fellows, I hope you realize that the Academy's strength is honoring past leaders in our wonderful profession with the Pierre Fauchard Academy Gold Medal.

Please visit the www.fauchard.org awards page online for more details and names of the 74 past recipients of the Gold Medal. After viewing this list, you will see and become familiar with many "dental legends" and others with outstanding credentials!

As always, please contact me with any issues/concerns you may have for our Academy. I look forward to hearing from any Fellow. As always, thank you for this opportunity to serve our Pierre Fauchard Academy!

--Dr. Daniel Castagna
Vice President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy