[Washington, DC - November 2, 2012] Two prestigious dental organizations - the American Dental Association and the International College of Dentists - recognized HVO Executive Director Nancy Kelly, MHS for her contributions to the advancement of dentistry. The American Dental Association (ADA) Board of Trustees recognized Ms. Kelly's work in global dental health by awarding her honorary membership in the ADA at their Annual Session. The International College of Dentists (ICD) also honored Ms. Kelly, inducting her as an Honorary Fellow of the College at its 83rd Annual Convocation. Both events took place in San Francisco, California during the weekend of October 19 - 22, 2012.

The ADA Board of Trustees recognized Ms. Kelly as an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry. Focusing on the long-standing partnership between HVO and the ADA's Division of Global Affairs, the ADA honored Ms. Kelly as "an innovative thinker for global health and in particular, sensitive to the needs of dental patients and dentists in the developing world."

The American Dental Association is the nation's largest professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement; leading a unified profession through initiatives in advocacy, education, research and the development of standards. Partnering with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and HVO, the ADA has helped to create the Oral Health Initiative programs, which emphasize the concept of capacity building and strive to provide local health care professionals in developing regions with the skills they need to provide more and better oral health care. The ADA has been a sponsor of HVO since 1990.

The Honorary Fellowship awarded by the ICD recognized Ms. Kelly as one who has rendered conspicuous service to the cause of dental science or has contributed to the promotion of the dental profession. They presented Ms. Kelly with a membership plaque, a gold lapel pin and a gold key, honoring her alongside nearly 250 dentists from the United States in an impressive ceremony witnessed by hundreds of members and guests.

The International College of Dentists is a leading honorary dental organization dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and the continued progress of the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind. The ICD focuses on leadership, recognition, humanitarianism, education, and professional relations in the international dental community.

Health Volunteers Overseas is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to improve global health through the education of local health care providers. In 26 years of service, HVO's training has transformed lives through the design and implementation of clinical and didactic education programs in child health, primary care, trauma and rehabilitation, essential surgical care, oral health, blood disorders and cancer, infectious disease, nursing education and wound management. In more than 25 resource-poor countries, HVO volunteers train, mentor and provide critical professional support to health care providers who care for the neediest populations in the most difficult of circumstances. For more information, visit the HVO website.

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