EIOH Pediatric Dentist Awarded Twice for Leadership
Eastman Institute for Oral Health Pediatric Dentist and Assistant Professor Lisa DeLucia, DDS, was recently honored with two awards for her leadership and contributions to the oral health care field.
She was given a President’s Award from the Dental Hygienists’ Association of the State of New York (DHASNY), which recognizes a professional who is not a dental hygienist, but who has provided outstanding contributions to advancing the dental hygiene profession through local and state level volunteerism and by mentoring dental hygienists.
The Seventh District Dental Hygienists’ Association Rochester/Finger Lakes Region (7DDHA) nominated Dr. DeLucia for her active role in increasing hygienists’ awareness and comfort level in treating patients with developmental disabilities, a highly underserved group in the area. Dr. DeLucia has also conducted continuing education programs and has involved 7DDHA members in volunteering for Special Olympics/Special Smiles, a dental screening program that addresses oral health disparities among those in the community with disabilities. She has been volunteering with this program since 2004 and each year organizes three or four oral health screenings to some 200 athletes.
“Hopefully others will be touched by her inspiration to reach out to their underserved neighbors in their communities and spread more smiles,” said Robin Murphy, RDH.
Dr. DeLucia has been named the recipient of the Seventh District Frederick J. Halik Award, which recognizes a new dentist who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in the profession. The Seventh District Dental Society is a component of the New York State Dental Association and The American Dental Association, representing more than 800 member dentists in eight counties.
“Rarely does one encounter a recent graduate of dental school who is as compassionate, caring, competent and charismatic as Lisa,” said Dr. Steven Perlman, global clinical director of dentistry for Special Olympics. “Her leadership in developing and implementing programs for patients with special health care needs and the Special Olympics athletes is most admirable.”
Dr. DeLucia finds that caring for this population brings both challenges and enormous rewards, and says that having an open heart, a little patience and creativity can make all the difference in the oral health and the lives of people with disabilities.
Dr. DeLucia teaches pediatric dentistry residents at University of Rochester Medical Center’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and is faculty for the URMC Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellowship program in an effort to inspire another generation of oral health providers to care for this population. She also has a private practice in Webster.