The Indiana Dental Association has awarded Dr. Suzanne Germain of Carmel the 2015 Leadership Award. This award is given to acknowledge outstanding leadership in maintaining organization and continuity within the Indiana Dental Association and dental profession.
Dr. Germain is a general dentist whose practice is in Zionsville. She launched the IDA’s Acceptance, Inclusion, Respect Program to provide targeted leadership training to a small group of promising leaders from various backgrounds in hopes they will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in organized dentistry and in their communities. She has spoken at the American Dental Association President-Elect Conference on the importance of increasing leadership diversity and inclusion, and the IDA has received an ADA Golden Apple Award for the IDA AIR Program.
Most recently, Dr. Germain launched the IDA’s Mission of Mercy which provided an estimated $896,000 of charitable dental care to over 1,200 patients in Indiana. Dr. Germain stepped up to the plate and felt her calling to do something to address the needs of the dental underserved. She gathered key players not only in dentistry, but also in the community to create a steering committee. From there IndianaMOM took on a life of its own.
“Dr. Sue Germain’s boundless energy and determination are impressive and inspirational,” Dr. Catherine Kroczek said, who nominated Dr. Germain. “Her participation follows her ideals. She wants to give back, period.”
Dr. Germain received the Leadership Award during the IDA’s Awards Ceremony held June 11 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. More than 200 dental professionals, IDA officers and representatives, elected officials and their guests attended the awards presentation. The ceremony was emceed by Dr. Jay Asdell, IDA vice president, and awards were presented by Dr. Steve Holm, IDA president and Dr. Chad Leighty, IDA president elect.
