NC Dental Society Awards

Celebrating excellence in dentistry
Your colleagues. Your mentors. Your friends. They’re making a lasting impact on dentistry every day in North Carolina.
Congratulations to our 2026 Award Winners:
Dr. Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr. – Distinguished Service Scroll. This is our most prestigious honor, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding service and leadership.
Dr. Ford Grant and Dr. Valerie Murrah – Meritorious Achievement. Recognizes significant contributions to dentistry, including lifetime achievements in leadership, academics, research, health care delivery, professionalism, or service to organized dentistry.
Dr. Veronica Landers and Dr. Jenna Stover – Mid-Career Dentist. This award recognizes mid-career dentists who show promise, initiative, and commitment to the missions of the NCDS, ADA, or other dental organizations.
Dr. Victoria McGowen and Dr. Credle Harris – Outstanding Early Career Dentist. These dentists have been out of dental school for 10 years or less and demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, involvement, and service to the NC Dental Society.
Dr. Scott Davenport and Dr. Eve Brown – Citizenship. Honors outstanding service to humanity through civic, community, cultural, humanitarian, or religious activities.
Dr. Paul Lindauer – Special Recognition. For extraordinary achievements or specific accomplishments, whether or not related to dentistry.
Dr. Lindsey Clevenger and Dr. Elmira Hezarkhani – Student Leader in Organized Dentistry. Each of the state’s dental schools select a deserving fourth-year student who has shown exceptional leadership and interest in organized dentistry.
Read details about each award winner.
Explore past honorees (since 1990)