One of Sweet Home’s own was recognized among the dentistry population with a Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition award this summer.
Dr. Ivan H. Wolthuis, DMD, MAGD, earned the honor through the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) for his commitment to lifelong learning, volunteering his services to communities in need, mentoring associates and new dentists, and participating in organized dentistry.
Some of his volunteer work includes providing free care to students through the Northwest Dental Van Clinic, offering pro bono services, giving free dental care through Dentistry From the Heart, being available for career day events, and offering dentistry services to remote villages in Guatemala and Liberia.
The AGD is a professional association of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to professional excellence through the pursuit of continuing education. Since its inception in 2005, only 511 of the AGD’s 40,000 members have received the prestigious Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition.
The honor is presented only to AGD members who have gone above and beyond earning the association’s highest honor of Mastership. To accomplish this recognition, Dr. Wolthuis completed at least 1,600 hours of continuing dental education in 16 different dental disciplines. In addition, recipients must complete at least 100 hours of dental-related community/volunteer service.
“Those who receive the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition from AGD truly demonstrate leadership and embody the core principles and values of community service and a commitment to excellence in dentistry,” stated AGD President Merlin Ohmer, DDS, MAGD. “To Dr. Wolthuis, this award represents a commitment to learning, leadership, mentorship and a pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.”
A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients’ oral health needs.
Dr. Wolthuis graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University in June 1999 and immediately took a job at his father’s practice in Sweet Home. In 2001, Dr. Wolthuis bought the business from his father, who continued to work until his retirement in 2014.