Since 1987, New York University has honored selected members of the faculty each year with its Distinguished Teaching Award in recognition of the high quality of instruction and commitment to students they display. The Distinguished Teaching Award is NYU's highest honor for teaching, a distinction attained only by the finest teachers. This year, Dr. Joan A. Phelan, Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, was one of only three faculty members from the entire University to receive a Distinguished Teaching Award. Each award consists of a specially designed medal and a grant of $5,000.

Dr. Phelan is a leading authority in the field of oral medicine. She rejoined NYUCD in 2000, after serving as Chief of the Dental Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport, New York, and Associate Professor of Oral Biology and Pathology at SUNY/Stony Brook. From 1980 to 1990, Dr. Phelan was a member of NYUCD's Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology.

"Joan Phelan understands that the secret to success in teaching is not solely the effective communication of knowledge and expertise," said Dean Alfano, "but also enthusiasm and passion for the subject together with respect for and a willingness to mentor all her students. Joan models and instills in her students the professionalism essential to those who pursue careers in health-care education."

NYUCD congratulates Dr. Phelan on receiving this wonderful, well-deserved award in tribute to a master of the art of teaching.