WEST ALLIS, Wis. – Dr. William K. Lobb, orthodontist, professor and dean of the Marquette University School of Dentistry (MUSoD), is the recipient of the 2021 Wisconsin Dental Association Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his continuous work to make MUSoD one of the leading dental schools in our country. Dr. Lobb was one of seven dentists honored at the WDA’s annual Pyramid of Pride Awards/151st Anniversary celebration held Nov. 12 at the Brookfield Conference Center in Brookfield.
Dr. Lobb joined MUSoD in 1994 with a vision, mission and strategic plan to make MUSoD a nationally renowned program. In 2003, the WDA recognized him with the Pyramid of Pride Outstanding Service Award for his work on MUSoD’s new dental facility. He has been a strong advocate of organized dentistry as a member of the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association and the American Dental Association for 25 years. As dean, he is a special guest at all WDA Board of Trustees and House of Delegates meetings.
He earned his D.D.S. degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1977. He received a master’s degree in orthodontics from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1981 and a master of public health degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2008. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists and a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
Dr. James Morgenroth, a retired general dentist from Wautoma, is this year’s recipient of the WDA Foundation Philanthropic Award for his career-long support of the WDA Foundation and advocacy of its programs, including Mission of Mercy. He served as WDA Foundation president in 2017, and he will continue to serve as immediate past-president through 2022. He is a MUSoD graduate and a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Receiving the 2021 Community Outreach Award is Dr. Pamela Hanson, an orthodontist from Waukesha. In addition to running her private orthodontics practice, Dr. Hanson is the orthodontic director of cleft and craniofacial teams at Children’s Wisconsin. She commits to volunteering at least 15 hours per week to treat kids with cleft and orthopedic and orthodontic appliances. Her expertise and experience are recognized beyond Milwaukee. She is a MUSoD graduate and a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.
Recognizing involvement in all levels of organized dentistry, Dr. James Kolstad, an orthodontist from Waukesha, is this year’s New Dentist Leadership Award recipient. A 2018 graduate of MUSoD’s orthodontic residency program, Dr. Kolstad was involved with the American Student Dental Association on both local and national levels during his time at Marquette, including serving as president of his local chapter. He currently is a member of the WDA membership development committee, a board member for the Wisconsin Society of Orthodontics, and a MUSoD admissions committee member.
The 2021 Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring Award recipient is Dr. Cheska Avery-Stafford, a general dentist from Milwaukee. Dr. Avery-Stafford has been a mentor since 2006 and the co-chair of the Wisconsin Dental Association-Pierre Fauchard Academy-Marquette University School of Dentistry Mentorship Program since 2012. She currently serves as a WDA Region 3 Trustee, is a member of the WDA finance committee, and an executive board member for the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association. She is a MUSoD graduate and a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
The Political Action Award recipient is Dr. Jeannette LaBelle, a general dentist from Lake Geneva. Dr. LaBelle has been a tremendous advocate for the WDA during the current legislative session, testifying at the Joint Finance Committee hearings regarding the critical need to raise dental Medicaid reimbursement rates. She is a graduate of MUSoD and has been an active participant in WDA Legislative Day. She has a master’s degree in neuroscience and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Ned Murphy, a retired general dentist from Racine, is the recipient of the 2021 WDA Award of Honor. Dr. Murphy has been a WDA member for 56 years and proudly served as WDA president from 2016-2017 and as a WDA Region 4 Trustee from 2009-2015. He has been a tremendous advocate for the dental profession during his career at the local, state and national levels serving on countless committees. He was the recipient of the WDA Pyramid of Pride Political Action Award in 2006 thanks to his actions in educating members and politicians on dental-related issues. Dr. Murphy is a MUSoD graduate and a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Last, The Wisconsin Dental Association received the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of its 150th Anniversary. 2020’s annual Pyramid of Pride Awards event was postponed due to COVID-19, therefore the organization was recognized for its milestone anniversary during this year’s awards celebration.
