Diana Nguyen, DDS received the prestigious ADEAGies Foundation Junior Faculty Achievement in Oral Health Education Award during the 2024 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session, held on March 9–12 in New Orleans.
Dr. Nguyen, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, earned this honor for her innovative teaching methods and contributions to enhancing dental education at UCSF School of Dentistry.
“When I learned that I had been selected to receive the Gies Award for Junior Faculty Achievement in Oral Health Education, what I felt most in that moment was gratitude,” Dr. Nguyen said. “It’s an honor to be recognized by organizations that have contributed so much to the advancement of dental education, as well as incredibly humbling to be counted among past and future Gies awardees who inspire others with their teaching, innovation, and leadership.”
In 2023, Dr. Nguyen says she half-jokingly told Michael Reddy, DMD, DMS, UCSF School of Dentistry dean that UCSF needs to strive for the Gies award. He responded by saying, “I bet you could do it,” and submitted her for nomination.
“I cannot overstate how important Dr. Nguyen is to the quality of our predoctoral educational program,” said Reddy. “Her teaching expertise and skills combined with a caring attitude and ability to collaborate across silos makes her an exceptional leader, mentor, and inspiration to us all.”
Dr. Nguyen’s current roles include leading the Division of Clinical General Dentistry and serving as one of six Group Practice Leaders for the School’s predoctoral dental clinic. She is also active in multiple diversity-focused Initiatives at the school.
The annual Gies Awards, named after dental education pioneer William J. Gies, Ph.D., honor those whose work represents the highest standards in oral health and dental education.
by Joey Greaber
