Vineet Dhar, BDS, PhD, assistant dean of Postgraduate and Professional Studies in Dentistry, clinical professor and chair of the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), received national recognition for his work as an educator and evidence-based dentistry researcher. Dhar was also installed as a new American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) board member; he will serve in the role of director.
Vineet Dhar, BDS, PhD, assistant dean of Postgraduate and Professional Studies in Dentistry, clinical professor and chair of the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, holding the Suzi Seale Evidence-Based Dentistry Service Award next to co-recipient Cameron L Randall, PhD, University of Washington School of Dentistry, who served as a member of the workgroup that Dhar chaired.
The ABPD holds the critical responsibility of steering the organization by governing, developing policy, and setting strategic direction. Comprised of six directors, each serving a six-year term, the Board of Directors ensures that ABPD remains focused on promoting excellence in pediatric dentistry through its leadership and vision. Dhar’s appointment signifies a commitment to upholding and advancing the organization’s high standards and goals, said the ABPD in a statement announcing his appointment.
Dhar also recently received the Foundation of College of Diplomates (FCOD) Dr. Ronald A. Bell Mentor of the Year Award. The honor recognizes an individual who has been instrumental in mentoring pediatric dentistry residents and new pediatric dentists. The award includes a $2,500 donation to UMSOD’s pediatric dentistry program.
“Mentoring the next generation of pediatric dentists has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career,” Dhar says. “To be recognized for those efforts is humbling and provides continued motivation to guide and support our residents and new pediatric dentists."
Dhar also received the Suzi Seale Coll Evidence-Based Dentistry Service Award in recognition of his role as chair of the AAPD Behavior Guidance Workgroup. The award, which he also received in 2022, honors a pediatric dentist who has made outstanding EBD contributions to the profession either through service, publications, or policy development.
Over the last decade, Dhar has earned many notable EBD awards, including the AAPD’s 2016 Paul P. Taylor Award for his systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of current therapies for early childhood caries, and the American Dental Association and American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research’s 2018 Evidence-Based Dentistry Mid-career Faculty Award, which is presented to an oral health professional who demonstrates leadership in implementing EBD in research, practice, and education and has contributed to the scientific knowledge base.
The honor will further fuel his “commitment to translating high-quality research into practical clinical recommendations, ultimately elevating the standard of care for pediatric dental patients,” Dhar said.
“Leading the Behavior Guidance Workgroup has allowed me to collaborate with an outstanding team to develop evidence-based guidelines that can positively impact how we approach patient care,” he says. “This award reinforces the importance of integrating research into clinical practice.”
To read more about Dhar, visit: www.dental.umaryland.edu/pediatric/faculty-and-staff/dr-vineet-dhar/.