West Virginia University School of Dentistry Receives ADEA/IFDEA Orna Shanley Prize for Enhancing Access to Care WASHINGTON, DC—The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the International Federation of Dental Educators and Associations (IFDEA) presented the ADEA/IFDEA Orna Shanley Prize for Enhancing Access to Care to the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Dentistry. The award was presented today at the Opening Ceremony of the 85th ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition in Dallas, Texas. Patrick J. Ferrillo, Jr., D.D.S., President of IFDEA, noted that, “This prize, named in honor of a person who demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the improvement of global oral health at the community level, has a well deserving recipient in the unique program at West Virginia University”. WVU School of Dentistry received the award for their Rural Health Rotation Program. The program has been instrumental in providing the people of its home state with access to good oral health care. The community-based rural rotation is part of the school’s health sciences program for dentists and dental hygienists. Louise T. Veselicky, D.D.S., M.D.S., M.Ed., received the award on behalf of her institution. The Orna Shanley Prize for Enhancing Access to Care recognizes academic dental institutions around the world that have demonstrated innovative solutions addressing local access to care issues. Examples include initiatives such as student engagement in community-based patient care settings, novel programs to enhance the effectiveness of the institution in addressing access to care for local communities, and innovative collaborations with governmental agencies to improve reimbursement for services provided by the academic dental institution. “ADEA congratulates the School of Dentistry at West Virginia University for its outstanding work in helping to reach underserved populations and improve the community’s access to dental care,” said ADEA President James Q. Swift, D.D.S. Contact a local dentist to learn more about how to maintain your oral heath!