The Montana Dental Association (MDA) recognized leaders in Montana dental practices during the 2022 Annual Meeting in Big Sky recently. For decades, MDA has honored those working in dental offices, including a new category this year, Dental Office Manager.
Lindemann Receives T. T. Rider Award
The T. T. Rider Award was given to Dr. Kurt Lindemann of Glacier Centre for Dentistry in Kalispell to recognize his outstanding service to the profession and his community. "Kurt has given countless hours to the dental profession through MDA and ADA. He volunteers and steps up whenever his colleagues need him," said Dr. Kevin Miltko, who nominated him. Dr. Lindemann is an active volunteer with Dental Lifeline Network and Shepherd's Hand, providing dental care for underserved people in the Flathead Valley.
He has held many leadership roles in the First District Dental Society, served on the MDA Board of Directors, is an MDA Past-President, and was a member of the ADA Council on Communications. Currently, Dr. Lindemann is an ADA Delegate-atLarge, ADA 11th District Caucus Chair, and an active member of the MDA Executive and Government Affairs Committees.
In 1967, the Montana Dental Association established an award to be presented to MDA members who have "rendered outstanding service to the profession and to their community." The first recipient of the award was Dr. Thomas Thiel Rider of Missoula. The award has been presented in his name in following years.
Two Dental Hygienists Picked for 2022
For only the second time in the award’s history, two hygienists received this award. "It is my honor to nominate two of my hygienists as Outstanding Dental Hygienists of the year. Both Dea & Justine exhibit professionalism in their interactions with patients, staff, and organizations in the community," said Dr. Mark Lies of Lies Dentistry in Great Falls in his nomination.
“Deanna Goss, RDH, and Justine Marchion, RDH, work exceptionally well together. They have developed a team concept that provides each patient with a positive experience that builds trust in the dental office experience. In addition, they are always eager to help whenever or wherever needed. For example, both hygienists have been instrumental in implementing a new computer system, neither complaining about working overtime to complete the data upload. Also, you might see either of them assisting at the front desk or in the sterilization area at any given time.”
Dental Assistant of the Year is Dena Sue Homan
"Dena Sue defines team player and hard work," said Dr. Kevin Scott of Livingston Dental Services who nominated her. "(She) is both a learner through continuing education and a teacher to new employees from the front door to the operatory. All team members and patients well respect her." Ms. Homan has been a dental assistant for thirty-seven years.
Booth Dental of Bozeman has Outstanding Dental Office Manager
Rheta Booth received the inaugural award in this category, recognizing the importance of office managers to a practice. Her family nominated her for the award after 45 years in the practice with her husband, Dr. James Booth.
"Rheta is more than just my office manager; she is my dear mom. She's in a unique situation as an office manager as she navigates office relationships and must balance family harmony. It is a testament to her abilities that we all get along each day. She taught us to come together to support each person as an individual to better our family, our patients, and our community. The lessons we learned growing up have helped shape how my sister Jamie and I care for patients and staff. My mother is a role model of kindness, dedication, and respect," said Dr. Lindsay Booth Tarkleson.
