Global Health Nexus, Millennium Issue

Smigel Prize in Aesthetic Dentistry Established

The Smigel Prize in Aesthetic Dentistry has been established at New York University College of Dentistry NYU Dentistry in honor of Dr. Irwin Smigel, Class of 1950.

The Smigel Prize is designed to honor a dentist whose work in the field of aesthetic dentistry demonstrates excellence, talent, vision, and commitment, and who has made significant contributions to the public and strengthened the areas of dental aesthetics and continuing education.

Dr. Smigel is a founder and the current president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Since the mid-1970s, when he introduced bonding on national television, he has been at the forefront of major developments in aesthetic dentistry, from bonding to laminates to whitening. He has taught the concepts and techniques of aesthetic dentistry in Japan, Korea, India, Brazil, and Turkey and has been the keynote speaker at more than 120 programs spanning five continents. The author of more than 500 articles and two books on aesthetic dentistry, he was named Man of the Year in Aesthetics by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 1994.

The inaugural Smigel Prize in Aesthetic Dentistry will be presented by Dean Alfano and Dr. Smigel at an upcoming meeting of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Subsequently, it will be presented every three years at NYU Dentistry in conjunction with a special continuing education program or symposium on aesthetic dentistry.

In announcing the establishment of the Smigel Prize, Dean Alfano said, "By honoring exceptionally high standards and cutting-edge techniques in aesthetic dentistry, the Smigel Prize will provide ongoing recognition of Dr. Smigel's pioneering achievements in the field."