Four Class of 2006 DDS Program graduates have received prestigious Delta Dental Awards, which are given annually to graduating seniors who embody the traits of a strong leader and active member of the community, and who plan to enter general practice residency programs located in the same state as their alma mater. Each award carries a $2,500 stipend and a certificate of recognition.

Delta Dental established the Student Leadership Award program in 1977, in honor of Dr. F. Gene Dixon, the corporation's first chief executive officer. Dr. Dixon was instrumental in developing Delta Dental Plans Association, a national system of Delta Plans that now covers more than 30 million Americans.

Dr. Charlotte C. Wiedenman of Delta Dental presented the awards to Drs. Khadine Alston, Brian Fabb, Jessica Figueroa, and Mike Nocerino.

Dr. Alston, the Co-President of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) was recognized as the lead coordinator of the first New York City Oral Cancer Walk, which was held in April (see related story). The walk drew over 300 participants and raised over $20,000. Dr. Alston is doing a General Practice Residency (GPR) at Wyckoff Hospital in Brooklyn.

Dr. Faab, President of the NYUCD Student Council, was recognized for his leadership of the Student Council and for his service as President of the Student Emergency Response Team and Class Representative for the College's Ethics and Professionalism Committee. Dr. Faab is doing his GPR at Long Island Jewish Hospital.

Dr. Figueroa, President of the Hispanic Student Dental Association, is doing her GPR at Jamaica Hospital in Queens. She was recognized for leading numerous community service outreach activities.

Dr. Nocerino, the two-term president of the Italian Student Dental Association, member of the Senior Formal Committee and the Yearbook Committee, is doing his GPR at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

Delta Dental is a nonprofit, dental service corporation that provides managed fee-for-service and PPO dental programs, as well as HMO dental programs.