Each year, the University and School of Dentistry recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna for lifelong commitment to the profession, the community, and the School. We are privileged to recognize Dr. Brenda Bohaty and Jo Ann Weatherwax as this year’s honorees.
Dr. Brenda Bohaty is Chair of the UMKC School of Dentistry’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry and concurrently the Director of the Residency Program in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Kansas City, Missouri. During her nearly 35 years of service to the School, Dr. Bohaty has accomplished a long list of academic and research endeavors including her instrumental role in initiating and running the Dental Clinic at Operation Breakthrough. This program allows children who attend day care at Operation Breakthrough to receive comprehensive dental care at no cost to their care providers. An impactful experience for both the children in the community and dental students. Dr. Bohaty serves as one of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry representatives on the Commission for Dental Accreditation Review Committee as a site visitor, she received a national appointment to serve as a member of the Review Committee member for the National Commission on Dental Specialties, she serves as Chair of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Graduate In-Service Examination Committee and as an expert consultant on the Council of Pre-Doctoral Education. She also serves on the Rinehart Foundation Board.
Jo Ann Weatherwax serves as the founding Dental Program Director for the Volusia County Health Department in Daytona Beach, Florida and has dedicated her career to help solving the national issue of access to oral healthcare services. Jo Ann, the first dental hygienist to serve as a dental director at a county health department in Florida, developed a clinical program, added an additional clinic to serve the western area of Volusia County, and established a county-wide school sealant and oral health education program. Her dedication to the Health Department and safety net programs in Volusia County has resulted in the delivery of oral healthcare services to countless children and families. Along with her work in public health, Jo Ann has served in numerous leadership roles including most recently as the President of the Florida Dental Hygiene Association.
Both awardees will be recognized at the UMKC campus-wide celebration on April 29th
Photos from the reception honoring the awardees here.