Awards, Dental Foundation, Faculty and Staff

Second Annual Best of Dentistry Weekend Raises $32,000 for School Entities

, Friday, May 24th, 2013

The UNC School of Dentistry held its second annual Best of Dentistry Weekend April 26-27, during which it raised more than $32,000 for student scholarships, the UNC Craniofacial Center and student clinic upgrades. Most of the money was raised during the Friday night Best of Dentistry Gala.

“For the second year in a row, the gala has proven to be a wonderful way to make a difference in our school,” said Paul Gardner, associate dean for advancement. “We’re thrilled that we were able to raise $32,000 and immensely grateful to all those who joined us for dinner for making such a huge impact. The UNC Craniofacial Center, school scholarships and our fourth-year clinic will be helped immensely with the proceeds from our auctions.”

Best of Dentistry Weekend is an annual series of events in which alumni and friends of the school come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the dental community, the school and each other. Recurring annually are continuing education opportunities, the Best of Dentistry Gala and the D.D.S. Class Reunions.

During the Gala, the school hosts both live and silent auctions to raise proceeds beyond those made on ticket sales. This year’s Gala Master of Ceremonies was WRAL-TV’s Dr. Allen Mask. The UNC Dental Alumni Association (UNCDAA) and the Dental Foundation of North Carolina (DFNC) also take advantage of this annual event to present their annual awards. This year, the organizations recognized the following people:

  • UNCDAA Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Scott Davenport, D.D.S. ’84
  • UNCDAA Distinguished Alumnus Award: Dr. Frank Brantley, D.D.S. ’79
  • UNCDAA John C. Brauer Award: Dr. Al Wilder, D.D.S. ’73
  • UNCDAA Honorary Life Membership: Mr. Paul Gardner
  • DFNC Class of 1958 Research Award: Dr. Kimon Divaris
  • DFNC Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Bettie McKaig, D.D.S. ’78

On Saturday, five-year cycle anniversary D.D.S. classes reunited at the Paul J. Rizzo Center for their class reunions, which are hosted by the UNCDAA. The 270 attendees enjoyed both a combined reception and individual D.D.S. class dinner, at which they could reminisce and reconnect.

“The D.D.S. class reunions are always really special,” said Sarah Andrews, assistant director of advancement and executive director of the UNCDAA. “We’re fortunate that so many of our alumni stay involved with the school after graduation, but they don’t always get a chance to reunite with their classmates very often. We really enjoy providing that opportunity for them.”

The third annual Best of Dentistry Weekend is scheduled for April 25-26, 2014. Events will include the Best of Dentistry Gala and D.D.S. Class Reunions for classes celebrating a five-year cycle anniversary. Details will be announced as they become available.

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