At each Annual Session, we celebrate the individuals who are sharping the future of our specialty and elevating the College through their exceptional contributions.
These prestigious awards are presented in accordance with the approved criteria and a thorough review of each nominee.
The 2026 Call for Nominations is now open for members to nominate individuals for the following awards:
- Distinguished Service Award
- Dan Gordon Award (Lifetime Achievement)
- Dental Technician Leadership Award
- ACPEF Founders Society Award
- Private Practice Prosthodontist Award*
*The Private Practice Prosthodontist Award is awarded regionally. Please see the specific requirements and nomination procedure here.
Please read the following Awards of Distinction document before sending in a letter of nomination.
Contact Ryan Tabisz to submit your nominations or if you have any questions. We will accept Award Nominations through May 29, 2026.
Please note: During their respective term of service, members of the Nominating Committee, and members of the ACP Board of Directors are not eligible to receive any awards.
Awards of Distinction
DISTINGUISHED Researcher AWARD
Recognizing outstanding contributions through original research, literature, teaching, or clinical applications
2025 Awardee: Dr. John Sorensen
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Recognizing outstanding service to the College and the characteristics of a true humanitarian
2025 Awardee: Dr. Leonard Kobren
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recognizing exceptional skills as a dental educator
2025 Awardee: Dr. Konstantinos Michalakis
JUNIOR EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recognizing exceptional skills as a junior dental educator
2025 Awardee: Dr. E. Armand Bedrossian
distinguished CLINICIAN AWARD
Recognizing outstanding contributions to clinical dentistry and sciences or health professions
2025 Awardee: Dr. Damian Lee
DENTAL TECHNICIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recognizing outstanding service to prosthodontics and the dental laboratory profession
2025 Awardee: Darwin Bagley
MAJOR GENERAL (RETIRED) BILL B. LEFLER FEDERAL SERVICES AWARD
Recognizing excellence in leadership, patient care, mentorship, and service
2025 Awardee: Capt. Ben Hunter
PRIVATE PRACTICE PROSTHODONTIST AWARDS
Recognizing extraordinary collegiality, outreach, and community service
2025 Awardees:
Region 1: Dr. Vincent Mariano
Region 2: Dr. Christian Edgar Davila
Region 3: Dr. Alex Chan
Region 4: Dr. Perry Fraiman
Region 5: Dr. Gary Solnit
Region 7: Dr. Kirk Preston
DAN GORDON AWARD
Recognizing lifetime achievement
2025 Awardee: Dr. John Agar
ACP Education foundation founders society award
In the spirit of its founders, the ACP Education Foundation honors individuals who have made significant impact on the growth and development of the Foundation and demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to the specialty
2025 Awardee: Dr. Lily T. Garcia
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Recognizing outstanding vision and leadership
2025 Awardee: Dr. Betsy Davis