Ohio Dental Graduates Receive Delta Dental Foundation Student Leadership Award

July 11, 2007 (Okemos, Mich.) — Meghan Biniker, a recent graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and Ryan Speirs, a recent graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, have each been honored with a Delta Dental Foundation Student Leadership Award and a cash gift of $2,500 for their outstanding leadership and volunteer activities in the dental profession and community.

Biniker, of Perrysburg, Ohio, was chosen by her school for academic excellence and her involvement with charitable organizations. Biniker has participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure and the Salvation Army. She was also involved in the American Dental Association’s national outreach program, Give Kids A Smile.

Later this year, Biniker will be working with the World Health Organization and the Christian Medical and Dental Association to deliver oral health care in Mexico.

Speirs, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, was selected by his school for his leadership and organizational skills, in addition to his academic and clinical talents. Speirs was involved with the American Student Dental Association serving as a class representative and president. During that time, Speirs served as a liaison to the Ohio Dental Association sub-council for new dentists and organized a lobby day for students.

Speirs also participated in community health activities, including an externship in the Dominican Republic.

Each year, the Delta Dental Foundation grants an award to one dental student from each of the dental schools in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Since 1982, the Delta Dental Foundation has awarded 74 Student Leadership Awards totaling more than $137,000.

Delta Dental Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, seeks to support education and research for the advancement of dental science and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs.