Academy of General Dentistry Presents Posthumous Award to Richard Knowlton, DMD, MAGD, FASD

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) posthumously awarded the Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award to late Pennsylvania dentist Richard Knowlton, DMD, MAGD, FASD.  Dr. Knowlton was a longtime member and leader of AGD and the Pennsylvania AGD (PAGD). At the time of his passing in March 2020, Dr. Knowlton was chair of the AGD Dental Education Council, a member of the Investment Council and contributor to many other areas.

The prestigious Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry or who has enhanced the principles and goals of AGD and made exceptional efforts in promoting these ideals. Named for the founding father of AGD, the Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award is presented annually to a dedicated educator who embodies the spirit of comprehensive dental care. This recipient is a professional role model whose activities exemplify a commitment to the profession of dentistry and the principles and goals of AGD.

A general dentist in private practice in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Knowlton was also one of the lead dental consultants for the United States Olympic Committee, serving as the 2016 team dentist for the U.S. Olympic Field Hockey team. He was the team dentist for several college sports teams and was affiliated with minor league ice hockey team the Hershey Bears and minor league football team the Central Penn Piranhas.

“Dr. Knowlton was one of AGD’s biggest advocates for the creating exceptional opportunities for continuing dental education,” said Gerald J. Botko, DMD, MAGD, AGD President. “He put in a lot of work mentoring members and encouraging them to pursue Fellowship and Mastership. It is an honor to acknowledge his commitment to the members of the AGD with the prestigious Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award.”

During his tenure as an AGD member, Dr. Knowlton achieved his Fellowship, Mastership and several Lifelong Learning and Service Recognitions, and mentored others to pursue the same level of success. As Dr. Knowlton amassed a level of excellence in dental education, he excelled in his role as an advocate and leader with the AGD. He served on the Dental Education Council, Membership Maintenance Task Force, Compensation Committee, Budget and Finance Committee and on other teams as needed. Dr. Knowlton tirelessly met with local elected officials and was an active voice on national AGD advocacy teams.

Dr. Knowlton served a six-year term as AGD trustee for Region 3 and as a delegate or alternate to the House of Delegates for many years. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania AGD since 1995 and also served as its president. He served as a MasterTrack and FellowTrack program coordinator and was co-director of PEAK Continuing Education.

Dr. Knowlton achieved AGD Mastership. In addition, he was awarded AGD’s Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition in 2007 for his ongoing continuing education and service to the profession, his patients and his community. He received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in 1979 and his doctor of dental medicine from Temple University in 1983. He also received fellowship in the Academy of Dentistry International in 2007. Dr. Knowlton was a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology and Academy for Sports Dentistry. Read more