Dr. Meeske Receives National Recognition for Oral Health Care initiative

We are pleased to announce that Dr Jessica Meeske is a 2010 recipient of the prestigious Shills' Recognition Award by the Program Advisory Board of the Dr. Edward B. Shills' Entrepreneurial Education Fund administrated by the American Dentistry Association Foundation (ADA).   She was one of four people recognized from across the country in Philadelphia, PA on October 26th.

The Shills' Award announcement notes: "As Founder of the Sonrisa Dental Project, Dr. Meeske has used her vision and finesse in engaging stakeholders and securing partnerships with several dental organizations in the fight against inadequate oral care for low-income, uninsured children in South Central Nebraska." Dr. Meeske continues to serve as Clinical Director of the project which has provided low cost dental care for over 1500 oral health visits since 2003 for children in Clay, Nuckolls, Webster and Adams Counties of South Central Nebraska.  Dental Industry partners include Central Community College Dental Hygiene Program and UNMC School of Dentistry.  The Shills' Award was established at the ADA Foundation to memorialize Dr. Shill's longtime service to the dental industry.  The Award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurial initiatives that educate the community at large on the impact of oral health, or provide educational opportunities for those in the dental industry and profession. 

South Heartland District Health Department, which nominated Dr. Meeske for the award, partners with Dr. Meeske on the Sonrisa Dental Project.  Other partners include Head Start and Mary Lanning Health Care Foundation.