At the 2018 CDA Annual Session in Crested Butte, Colo., the association recognized exceptional leaders in the dental community.
CDA Exceptional Service Award: Dr. Justin Pearson
Dr. Pearson has served for the past two years as the chair of the CDA New Dentist Committee (NDC), a group that is comprised of dentists who are 10 years or less out of dental school. During his time as chair, Dr. Pearson and NDC members have revitalized the group. He also has served on the CDA Board of Trustees, as a delegate to the CDA House of Delegates, and as an alternate delegate to the American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates.
CDA Exceptional Leadership Award: Dr. Sheena Schoch
Dr. Schoch joined the CDA Board of Trustees in 2014, bringing new enthusiasm and representation from the Western Colorado Dental Society. She is one of the future influencers of our profession. Dr. Schoch also has served on the CDA Finance Council, CDA Enterprises Board, CDA House of Delegates Credentials Committee and ADA House of Delegates as a new dentist alternate delegate. In these roles, Dr. Schoch inspires others to become more actively engaged and invested in organized dentistry. In her community, she has been actively involved in ensuring community water fluoridation.
CDA Foundation Scholarship Award: Austin Tyler
Since 2005, the CDA Foundation has been supporting a scholarship endowment that recognizes outstanding CU School of Dental Medicine students. This year, the CDA Foundation scholarship recipient is Austin Tyler, who will be a third-year dental student this fall. Tyler grew up and went to high school in Fort Collins, Colorado, and then attended Brigham Young University. During his undergraduate studies, he earned a degree in public health, learned Spanish, and compiled research for the Clinician’s Report monthly newsletter. Tyler returned to Colorado to attend the CU School of Dental Medicine. He serves as president of the Colorado chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and on the national ASDA Board of Trustees, where he represents all dental students from Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. Tyler also sits on the ASDA Council on Advocacy, where he promotes legislative efforts backed by ASDA’s policies. He has a keen interest in student loan reform and licensure reform.