Congratulations to Prof Alison Dougall, who was recognised for her lifetime commitment to equitable and inclusive oral health care for people living with disability.
Presenting the award at the iADH annual conference this month, Dr Denise Faulks described Prof Dougall as the driving force behind the active, worldwide organisation we know today. As former president of the iADH, Prof Dougall developed the iADH education and fellowship programmes, and has contributed to all research initiatives, including the Attitudes Toolbox, and the iADH Universal Case Mix tool.
In her acceptance speech, Prof Dougall dedicated her award to her friend, the late Dr Janet Griffiths (MBE for services to Special Care Dentistry), who introduced her to the iADH. "Someone saw me and thought maybe I had a spark of promise, and that was the changing moment. That gave me the ability to make a change for others. The iADH is such a positive organisation, with missions and aims, and to get this award at TCD and to have the conference here is even more special. I would like to thank everyone in the iADH for giving me so much in my life: my friends, my profession, structure and ideas. There is so much I have to thank you for."