Past ADA executive director wins American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research award
Jack Hein Public Service Award recognizes individuals for promoting oral health research
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research has awarded its 2022 Jack Hein Public Service Award to past American Dental Association Executive Director Kathleen T. O'Loughlin, D.M.D.
"The AADOCR is proud to announce Dr. Kathleen T. O'Loughlin as the 2022 recipient of the AADOCR Jack Hein Public Service Award," said Christopher H. Fox, D.M.D., D.M.Sc., CEO of the AADOCR and International Association for Dental Research. "The AADOCR Jack Hein Public Service Award honors individuals who have given exemplary service in public affairs by promoting the interests and activities of oral health research. Dr. O'Loughlin is recognized for her constant advocacy for the science base of the dental profession, and we are thankful for her tireless promotion of dental, oral and craniofacial research."
Dr. O'Loughlin received her award March 23 during the opening ceremonies of the 51st Annual Meeting and Exhibition of the AADOCR, held both virtually and in person in Atlanta in conjunction with the 46th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research.
In 2009, Dr. O'Loughlin became the first woman to hold the position of ADA executive director. Before joining the staff of the ADA, she served as chief dental officer for United Healthcare and as president and chief executive officer for Delta Dental of Massachusetts. Dr. O'Loughlin also maintained a private dental practice for more than 20 years while working as an assistant clinical professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston.
Dr. O'Loughlin began her postsecondary education at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she studied nursing, before transferring to Boston University to study biology and graduating cum laude. She then graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. O'Loughlin also has a master's degree in public health and health care management from Harvard University.
