The CDA Foundation is accepting nominations through March 31 for the Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award, which for 19 years has recognized faculty members for their contributions to the scholarly and creative activities of California dental students.
CDA members, including student members, can nominate eligible California dental school faculty for the award. Self-nominations are also welcome.
Dugoni Award carries on a legacy of leadership and compassion
The late Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni championed a student-centered, caring, “humanistic” approach to dentistry that became a national model in dental education. A renowned leader in dental education, Dugoni held the position of dean of the school of dentistry at the University of the Pacific for 28 years, from 1978 to 2006.
In addition to the decades of inspiring countless dental students, residents, faculty and staff as an educator, Dugoni offered his leadership and expertise to dental colleagues in California and throughout the world. At the time of his death, Dugoni was one of only 30 living members globally of the FDI World Dental Federation’s List of Honour.
In Dugoni’s name, the Foundation’s annual award acknowledges and supports exceptional leadership, innovation, collaboration, compassion, philanthropic spirit and integrity in dental education.
Nominees from all fields of study or dental specialties that enhance or support dental programs will be considered, but they must:
- Have a history as a member of faculty and hold a full- or part-time teaching position.
- Contribute to the scholarly and creative activity of the school through direct contact with students.
- Add to the enrichment of the dental program with which they are affiliated.
Dr. Natasha Lee received 2024 Dugoni Award
Natasha Lee, DDS, an assistant professor and course director of practice management and jurisprudence, received the 2024 Dugoni Faculty Award. In her role, Dr. Lee has implemented creative learning models to motivate University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry’s students. For some, studying practice management can seem like a distraction from clinical dentistry, so Lee utilizes a practice simulation model to bring the business of dentistry to life and engage the students in learning essential leadership skills.
One of her colleagues, Judee Tippett-Whyte, DDS, said of Lee, “She always has the mind of the student and new dentists at the forefront of her actions.”
Nominations open through March 31
The CDA Foundation accepts nominations from CDA members ― including student members ― and California dental school faculty. Self-nominations are also welcome. You are encouraged to learn more about eligibility criteria and the nomination process when considering possible nominees.
Nominate a faculty member by March 31 for the Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award and see biographies of past recipients. The recipient will be notified of their award in the fall.
The CDA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the California Dental Association. Its mission is to improve the oral and overall health of all Californians by supporting the dental profession in its efforts to meet community needs.