Ron Nagel, D.D.S., M.P.H.

Myron Allukian Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions in Community Dental Programs 2010 Recipient

Pictured (from left): Chris Halliday, Ron Nagel, and Myron Allukian Jr.

Dr. Nagel, known for his patience, high standards, and integrity, devoted 22 years to working for the Indian Health Service, promoting oral health and better access to oral health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Dr. Nagel initiated the Alaska dental health therapist program and helped make it a reality despite enormous opposition by organized dentistry. He worked tirelessly to improve access to oral health care for a population with oral disease rates of 2.5 times the national average. Dr. Nagel devoted himself to making oral health services available for this neglected population who live in a rural area of 600,000 square miles with no roads, no electricity, no running water, and no dentists.