Two outstanding general dentists were recognized during the AGD annual meeting Nov. 11–13. Thomas A. Howley Jr., DDS, MAGD, and Fabiola Milord, DDS, FAGD, were honored for their exceptional contributions to the profession and delivering exceptional oral care.

Thomas A. Howley Jr., DDS, MAGD

Named in honor of an AGD leader and faculty member of Temple University Dental School, the Albert L. Borish Award honors an individual who has demonstrated innovation, leadership and dedication to the advancement of dentistry and has made positive changes for the benefit of the profession and dental health of the public. 

This year’s Borish awardee, Thomas A. Howley Jr., DDS, MAGD, showed immense fortitude and perseverance in his dedication to advancing the profession of general dentistry. Following two serious automobile accidents in 1997 and 2000, Howley was forced to discontinue dental practice and was advised to also cease travel and involvement in dental organizations. Instead, he continued to serve AGD for more than two decades, including on the Board of Directors as well as nearly every committee, chair and officer role for the Pennsylvania AGD. He also served as AGD secretary and president (2004–2005), after which he served on the AGD Foundation Board for five years. 

“It was important to remain engaged because it truly is very rewarding to help an organization, especially a volunteer organization, prosper and move forward,” said Howley. “It is rewarding to feel like you are making a meaningful impact on the group and on the profession. My advice would be to never give in, to never quit and to never let things beat you down. Everyone is subject to obstacles, challenges or hardships. It isn’t about what you can no longer do — rather, it’s about finding what you can still do.”

Watch Dr. Howley’s acceptance speech.

Fabiola Milord, DDS, FAGD

AGD’s Humanitarian Award is presented to a dentist who contributes voluntary service in conjunction with a consistent commitment to enhancing the image of general dentistry through the continuous delivery of quality dental care. This awardee also must demonstrate leadership in areas of civic involvement. 

This year’s awardee, Fabiola Milord, DDS, FAGD, has participated in more than 50 medical missions to provide treatment to impoverished men, women and children in the United States as well as Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, South Africa, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, the Bahamas and more. “Her recruitment efforts in drawing in her fellow dentists have made her raise awareness amongst her colleagues regarding humanitarianism and the satisfaction that comes in participating in the mission of helping others by donating oral health services,” said Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, MAGD, who nominated Milord. 

Milord’s first experience with humanitarian service came shortly after graduation. Three years into dental practice, she was feeling disillusioned with the profession, which felt like a financial grind to her. She was approached by the Max Cadet Dental Foundation about donating dental services at its newly built clinic in Haiti. Milord went on to serve on numerous other missions and for charitable organizations, including as dental director from 2005 to 2013 for the Catholic Charities Health Systems, Diocese of Rockville Centre. She also pursued a Master of Public Health, which she received from New York University in 2013. She has served in leadership positions for numerous dental organizations, including the Nassau County Dental Society, the Long Island Academy of Odontology and the New York Academy of Oral Rehabilitation. 

“Humanitarian service is more than just performing dentistry,” said Milord. “It’s about changing people’s lives. It’s about diversity of people and culture. It’s about the underbelly of the human condition and what contributions you make to improve it. It’s about impacting those who would otherwise go without.”

Watch Milord’s acceptance speech.