Dentists across the state were awarded for their service to patients, the association and the profession of dentistry.
ALBANY, NY – As the voice of the profession in dentistry in New York, the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) is a member organization comprised of ethical, caring and involved dentists and dental students from across the state. Each year, NYSDA recognizes the exceptional work and advocacy achieved by its members.
NYSDA is proud to announce its recognition of three of its dedicated members on June 3, 2023 for their contributions to NYSDA and to the profession of dentistry as a whole. The award recipients include Dr. Mary Kang of New York City, Dr. William Calnon of Rochester and Dr. James Olcutt of Ithaca.
Mary Kang, DDS, of New York, NY was presented the highest honor bestowed by NYSDA, the Jarvie-Burkhart Award in recognition of outstanding service rendered to mankind through the field of dentistry.
Dr. Kang has completed multiple residency and fellowship programs at New York University, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, UCLA and MD Anderson Cancer Center sub-specializing in the rehabilitation of head and neck injuries for cancer and trauma patients.
Throughout the last 10 years, Dr. Kang has served as a clinical associate professor in the periodontology and implant dentistry department at NYU’s College of Dentistry.
This prestigious award highlights Dr. Kang’s commitment to patient service and to the field by fostering current and relevant dental education for the next generation of dentists, an increasingly important priority for NYSDA as it looks to invest in the future of dentistry.
William Calnon, DDS, of Rochester, NY was presented the 2023 Mark J. Feldman Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his many years of meritorious service and commitment to the association.
Dr. Calnon has an esteemed history in the dental field, having served as president and interim director of the American Dental Association Foundation from 2016 to 2019, and previously serving as president of the American Dental Association in 2012. He also was a member of the New York State Board of Dentistry from 1994 to 2001, during which time he served as chair of the licensure and examination committee.
Dr. Calnon currently educates the next generation of dentists in his role as a professor of clinical dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he served as interim director from 2012 until 2014, and currently serves as president of its Eastman Dental Center Foundation.
He is a fellow of the American College and International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Dr. Calnon has inspired countless number of dentists throughout his career, always giving of himself in efforts to expand the profession, advance the oral health care needs of the community and lead with his signature gentle demeanor and mentorship.
James Orcutt, DDS, of Ithaca, NY, was also presented the 2023 Mark J. Feldman Distinguished Service Award.
After graduating from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1970, Dr. Orcutt returned to his hometown of Ithaca, NY and practiced dentistry there until his retirement in 2005.
Throughout his career, Dr. Orcutt has been engaged in efforts to advance the profession through involvement as a member of the American Dental Association since 1970 and active involvement with the Sixth District Dental Society’s executive council. Additionally, he served as a delegate to the American Dental Association House for many years and chair of the Second District Caucus in 1993.
He served on the board of governors for the Dental Society of the State of New York from 1981 until 1994 and was president of NYSDA in 1993. Dr. Orcutt served on the New York State Board for Dentistry from 2002 until 2012 as an advocate for the profession and a voice for the citizens of New York State.
In addition to Dr. Orcutt’s accomplishments and participation in dentistry, he was instrumental in the mandatory use of Hockey Equipment Certification Council-approved helmets and full-face shields along with internal mouth guards for all USA Youth Hockey, New York State High School and NCAA Ice Hockey programs.
About the New York State Dental Association:
The New York State Dental Association, founded in 1868, is one of the largest state constituents of the American Dental Association and represents more than 70 percent of dentists practicing in New York State. Founded in 1859, the American Dental Association is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world and serves as the leading source of oral health-related information for dentists and their patients