PDA PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
JOAN I . GLUCH , PHD , RDH , PHDHP
Dr . Joan I . Gluch has been honored with the 2021 PDA Public Service Award for her commitment to the oral health of underserved individuals . As the Professor of Clinical Community Oral Health and the Division Chief of Community Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania ’ s School of Dental Medicine , Dr . Gluch has expanded community outreach programs and established an academically based service-learning course at Penn Dental Medicine serving approximately 20,000 individuals annually . As part of that expansion , Dr . Gluch has secured significant funding sources to support the programs , including a grant to allow all predoctoral students to have clinical experience with children in their first five years of life . Penn Dental Medicine was one of 11 dental schools nationwide to receive the “ first five ” Health Resources and Services Administration ( HRSA ) grant .
PDA is pleased to honor Dr . Gluch with the 2021 PDA Public Service Award in recognition for her insightful innovations to improve the oral health of children and adults in underserved communities .
JULY / AUGUST 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 23