James Koelbl, DDS, Receives Highest Honor for Service to Dental Education

James Koelbl, DDS, MS, MJ, KCU vice provost for oral health initiatives, was honored March 17 with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) 2019 Distinguished Service Award. Koelbl received the award during the opening ceremony of the ADEA’s Annual Session and Exhibition in Chicago. This premier award recognizes an individual’s significant contributions to ADEA and its members through research, teaching or service.

“I’ve never taken for granted the privilege of working in this field,” said Koelbl. “I’ve learned something of value from every experience I’ve ever had and every individual I’ve ever met. I accepted the award on behalf of the hundreds of exceptional people I’ve been honored to work with throughout my 45 years in the profession.”

Koelbl joined KCU recently to assist in its due diligence for establishing a College of Dental Medicine on the university’s Joplin, Missouri, campus to serve the four-state area. He is working to assess faculty and patient needs, as well as lead the process to explore program accreditation. Koelbl is also leading outreach to the regional dental community and potential clinical partners.

The Distinguished Service award is bestowed only when the chair of the ADEA board and board of directors wishes to recognize an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to dental education. Dr. Monty MacNeil, ADEA board chair, made the nomination, which was unanimously approved.

“We’re extremely proud of Dr. Koelbl’s recognition nationally as a leader in the profession,” said Marc Hahn, DO, KCU president and CEO. “This honor further validates his dedication and expertise in dental education, and we are fortunate to work with him as we explore a new dental college for KCU.”