American Dental Association Announces Humanitarian Award

The American Dental Association (ADA) has announced Usa Bunnag, DDS, as its 2017 ADA Humanitarian Award recipient. Bunnag was chosen in recognition of more than three decades of commitment to improving oral health care in Maryland and her native Thailand.

Bunnag immigrated to the United States from Thailand at age 14. She operates private practices in Montgomery County, and is best known as founder of Smiles on Wings, a charity that seeks to improve the health and well-being of underserved communities in Thailand. She is also a designated dentist for the Montgomery County Child Welfare department, and has served as designated dentist for the International Rescue Committee Suburban Washington Resettlement Center, which aids refugee families. Bunnag will be honored at the ADA Annual Meeting, Oct. 19–23 in Atlanta. Her award includes $10,000 to be donated to the dental charity or project of her choosing.

From Decisions in Dentistry. March 2017;3(3):11.