50th Honorees: The American Dental Association

The American Dental Association and its members have made significant contributions to Dental Lifeline Network over the past 50 years. The ADA’s partnership is instrumental in recruiting new volunteers to our Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. Their support through our veterans’ campaigns resulted in hundreds of ADA members signing up to help veterans on our waitlist. Since our partnership began, the ADA has given over $1.7 million to DLN to help reach more patients in need. Additionally, thanks to the tremendous support of state dental associations and societies, the DDS program operates in all 50 states.  

This past month, Dental Lifeline Network was honored by the American Dental Association and Dr. Linda Edgar, Immediate-Past President of the ADA, with the Presidential Citation Award in recognition of 50 years of lifechanging transformations of America’s most vulnerable adults. The Presidential Citation is an award given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession of dentistry and the public’s oral health, and it is presented at the discretion of the ADA President.  This award was presented by Dr. Edgar and accepted by Dr. Frank Maggio, National Board Chair for Dental Lifeline Network and retired trustee of the ADA.  

Strategic Support 

The ADA has supported DLN with consistent appointees to our national board. This year, national board members include Dr. Gary Oyster and Dr. Allen Reavis. For years, Dr. Frank Maggio, having initially been appointed as an ADA Trustee, has served as the National Board Chair for Dental Lifeline Network. Many other former Trustees, including current ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler, have served on the DLN board throughout the years. 

Dr. Frank Maggio 

Dr. Maggio’s involvement with DLN began as a volunteer. His personal connection to giving back stemmed from his father, a general dentist who volunteered his time to help vulnerable individuals in need. Upon completion of dental school, Dr. Frank Maggio served his country as a dentist in the United States Army. When asked to join the DLN Board of Directors, he was honored by the opportunity to give back to his community and help others.  

DLN is incredibly thankful to the American Dental Association, Dr. Edgar, Dr. Maggio, and the thousands of volunteer dentists in helping us change the lives of America’s most vulnerable adults through comprehensive dental care.