ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: DR. DENISE HERING
Dr. Denise Hering is the 2024 recipient of the ODA Achievement Award.
Dr. Denise Hering has been a leader at all levels of organized dentistry throughout her career. In recognition of her efforts, she will receive the Ohio Dental Association Achievement Award on Friday, Sept. 13 at the Callahan Celebration of Excellence, held in conjunction with the 158th ODA Annual Session.
“Dr. Denise Hering is committed to excellence in our profession as we serve others in need of our care. She is a very worthy candidate for the ODA Achievement Award. By her leadership and dedication, she exemplifies what it means to be a true professional,” wrote Dr. James Cottle, a past president of the Columbus Dental Society, in his nomination letter. “Her career as a dentist, teacher and volunteer is exemplary. Her commitment to organized dentistry is at the core of who she is as a person.”
Hering said she was humbled, happy and dumbfounded to receive the award.
Hering said she decided to become a dentist because she loves science and has good hand skills since she always has enjoyed doing arts and crafts.
Hering earned her DDS from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1985. She then went into practice with a dentist, and in 1999 started her own private practice. Once her children were older, she started teaching one day per week at The Ohio State University from 2008-2021. In 2023, she retired from the practice of dentistry.
“I know from personal knowledge that she was a favorite instructor because she was detailed in her teaching efforts, firm and fair in her assessments of the students and demonstrated how to act professionally in all interactions with patients,” Cottle said.
Hering said her favorite part about being a dentist is the relationships.
“I think one thing that GPs have over specialists is we develop relationships with families,” Hering said. “I saw people for well over 30 years and got to know parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren. I like the work too. I enjoyed the actual skills, but the relationships were what made it really gratifying. We spend more time with our patients, we really do get to know people.”
Hering has been involved with all three levels of organized dentistry.
“Not only has she been involved in many CDS, ODA and ADA committees and councils, she is a true leader and a gentle, effective motivator to others,” Cottle said. “She leads by example. When Denise participated in a meeting, her perspective was always requested and respected because she was always prepared.”
Hering served as the first female speaker of the ODA House of Delegates and has served on many councils and committees with the ODA including as chair of the Credentials; Rules and Order Committee; the Ethics Subcomittee; and the Dental Education and Licensure Committee.
With the Columbus Dental Society, she served as president in 2011 and has served on many councils and committees, including as chair of Honors and Awards, Communication Publication Council and the Dental Registry Committee.
With the American Dental Association, Hering has served as a delegate and chaired the Working Group on Dental Education, Science and Related Matters.
“From the time I started, it was just so fun meeting other people and to feel when I’m going to a meeting that I belonged there,” she said.
Hering said she thinks organized dentistry is important for a lot of reasons.
“One, for developing relationships between other dentists so when you have questions about treatment, you have people you can go to as a sounding board,” she said. “It’s important legislatively because the legislature is more apt to listen to us. The more people that the ODA can represent, the more the legislators will see that this is the voice of dentists. Those are the two main things, but also, back in the day when CE was not as easy to come by online, it was a great source of good CE. It gave me insight and skills that I did not get in dental school. The materials we use today are so different than when I was in dental school that if you don’t keep up with it, you’re lost. The ODA and the ADA had good CE that helped me grow as a dentist, as a skilled professional.”
Hering has served as a Give Kids A Smile volunteer, Dental OPTIONS provider and Physician’s CareConnection dental clinic volunteer along with other community service initiatives.
Hering is a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. She has served as District 7 regent with the International College of Dentists.
Outside of dentistry, Hering loves to read and do needlework and sewing. She also enjoys snorkeling and traveling. She and her husband, Randy, have been married for 43 years and have two children and one grandchild.
The Achievement Award is given to someone with a personal and professional commitment to the dental profession and the public’s oral health, and who is an ambassador for the dental profession with solid respect for the profession.
