Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Innovation: Honoring the 2026 ADS Award Recipients
Each year at the ADS Annual Conference, one of the most anticipated and meaningful moments is the opportunity to recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have advanced dental infection prevention and safety. Surrounded by colleagues, mentors, and friends from across the profession, we come together to celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on ADS and the dental community.
The annual ADS Leadership Awards are more than a tradition—they are a reflection of the passion, innovation, and collaboration that drive our mission forward. From seasoned leaders whose careers have shaped the field to emerging professionals and devoted volunteers who are inspiring the next generation, each honoree embodies the commitment to excellence that defines ADS.
We are proud to recognize the 2026 recipients of ADS’s highest honors and extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for their extraordinary contributions.
Dr. James Crawford Award
Michelle Lee
Named in honor of one of the founding fathers of dental infection control, the Dr. James Crawford Award recognizes lifetime achievement and extraordinary contributions in science, education, or public policy related to ADS’s core competencies of infection control and patient and provider safety.
This year’s recipient, Michelle Lee, served as Executive Director of ADS from 2018 to 2026 and guided the organization through a transformative era. During her tenure, she strengthened the ADS team, modernized operations, expanded strategic partnerships, and led the profession through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with steady, evidence-based leadership.
Among her many accomplishments, Michelle spearheaded the rebranding of OSAP to ADS, expanded membership and organizational sustainability, and led the founding of the ADS Institute for Dental Safety and Science to ensure continued leadership in infection prevention. Her vision and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy that will benefit the dental profession for years to come.
Dr. Milton Schaefer Award
Denise Sabol, MEd
This award is named after one of the founding members of ADS and celebrates superior service to the organization, recognizing either continuous contributions over a period of time or singular accomplishments. The nominee’s efforts have resulted in tangible benefits to the continuing advancement of ADS’s mission to be the leading provider of infection prevention and control education, training, and credentialing that supports safe dental visits.
Denise Sabol, MEd, exemplifies quiet leadership and unwavering dedication. Through her work supporting Infection Control in Practice (ICIP), she has consistently elevated the publication with thoughtful editorial guidance, meticulous attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit that empowers the entire team.
Her behind-the-scenes contributions have strengthened one of ADS’s key educational resources and reflect her steadfast commitment to excellence in dental infection prevention.
Emerging Infection Control Leader Award
Bhumika Patel, RDH, MSDH, CDIPC, FADHA
The Emerging Infection Control Leader Award recognizes rising professionals whose leadership is shaping the future of dental infection prevention.
As Manager for Infection Prevention and Control at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Bhumika Patel, RDH, MSDH, CDIPC, FADHA, has become a respected educator, mentor, and advocate for patient safety. She oversees infection prevention initiatives across a complex, multidisciplinary clinical environment, transforming data into meaningful education, implementing innovative protocols, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Whether mentoring students, collaborating with faculty, or presenting educational sessions at Annual Conference, Bhumika inspires those around her to embrace infection prevention as a cornerstone of exceptional patient care.
Bette & Paul Schwarz Award for Volunteerism
Enrique Acosta-Gio, DDS, PhD
Named after two individuals who embodied the spirit of selfless service, the Bette & Paul Schwarz Award recognizes volunteers whose contributions strengthen ADS and its mission.
This year’s recipient, Enrique Acosta-Gio, DDS, PhD, has helped extend ADS’s reach far beyond borders. Through the translation of educational resources and marketing materials into Spanish, he has made valuable information more accessible to audiences around the world. His service on the 2026 Annual Conference planning committee and advocacy for innovative initiatives, including video poster presentations, have further enhanced opportunities for global collaboration and engagement.
Honoring Our Outgoing Board Members
ADS also extends heartfelt appreciation to CDR Matthew R. Ellis, Dr. Ramneek Rai, and Dr. Raleigh Wright, whose service on the Board of Directors conclude at the end of June 2026. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication have helped guide the organization through important milestones while advancing the mission of dental safety and infection prevention.
Board Chair Citations
Each year, the ADS Board Chair recognizes individuals whose unique talents and extraordinary service have enriched the organization and strengthened its impact.
This year’s citations were presented by Board Chair Julie Lynch, MS, BSN, RN to:
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Dr. Marie Fluent, CDIPC, FACD, Nancy Dewhirst, BSDH, RDH, and Dr. Ramneek Rai for developing and delivering an outstanding Dental Unit Waterlines workshop at the 2026 Boot Camp, providing practical, hands-on education that empowers attendees to protect patients and healthcare teams.
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Liliana Donatelli, BS, MBA, MPH, CDIPC, for expanding ADS’s international presence through meaningful outreach and strategic partnerships that continue to broaden the organization’s global influence.
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Eve Cuny, MS, CDIPC, for her visionary leadership in launching the ADS Institute for Dental Safety and Science and helping establish a lasting foundation for evidence-informed infection prevention.
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CDR Matthew Ellis, MPH, CIC, AL-CIP, CDIPC, REHS, for strengthening ADS’s engagement with tribal health communities through his work with the Susan Harwood Training Grant program, increasing access to culturally informed education and resources.
A Community United by a Shared Mission
The achievements celebrated this year reflect more than individual excellence—they represent the collective dedication of professionals committed to ADS’s vision: that every dental visit is a safe visit. ADS proudly congratulates all the 2026 award recipients and citation honorees and thanks them for their leadership, innovation, generosity, and enduring service to the profession.