Kuthy receives 2016 AAPHD Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Raymond Kuthy, researcher at the University of Iowa Public Policy Center (PPC) and Professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry in the UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association for Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) at the National Oral Health Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

The Distinguished Service Award is one of the AAPHD’s highest awards. It recognizes an individual for excellent and distinguished service to public health dentistry. The AAPHD is dedicated to advancing the practice and science of dental public health to achieve optimal oral health for the public.

“I am very humbled by this recognition from an organization that has meant so much in promoting the oral health of the public,” Kuthy said. “Several colleagues and I have been fortunate to work in an academic environment that allows us to pursue research and service activities that improve dental accessibility.”

Besides serving on many AAPHD ad hoc and permanent committees, Kuthy served on the organization’s Executive Committee. He also served a three-year term as the Secretary-Treasurer. Previously, Kuthy was the recipient of AAPHD’s President’s Award, which is presented to an individual who provides significant contributions to the welfare of the Association.

Kuthy joined the UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics in 1999. He served as head of the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry from 1999 to 2006. He currently teaches in the graduate program in Dental Public Health and holds a research appointment at the PPC. He is a diplomate, American Board of Dental Public Health, and a past president of this dental specialty board.

Kuthy’s primary research focus is health care accessibility, particularly the availability of the dentist workforce. He also works with colleagues on various projects relating to other aspects of oral health services research, including an evaluation of the state’s Medicaid expansion program. 

Pete Damiano, Director of the UI Public Policy and long-time colleague in the UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, said the award is well-deserved. “Ray is one of the best examples of the ideal senior faculty member-former academic administrator who transitioned back to being a nationally recognized scholar,” Damiano said. “He is a leader in his field of dental public health, a serious mentor of graduate students and junior faculty, and a great team player. His personal humility, dedication and work ethic are admirable.”