The New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) is proud to recognize two of its members for their unwavering support and dedication to the dental profession. NYSDA, a member organization comprised of ethical, caring, and involved dentists and dental students from across the state, annually presents two awards to members for their outstanding work and advocacy.
NYSDA is proud to announce this year’s honorees are Scott Firestone, DDS, of Long Island, NY, and Frank Barnashuk, DDS, of Buffalo, NY.
Scott Firestone, DDS, of Long Island, NY, was presented with the highest honor bestowed by NYSDA, the William Jarvie and Harvey Burkhart Award, in recognition of outstanding service rendered to mankind through the field of dentistry.
An instructor at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Firestone is dedicated to fostering the next generation of dentists through education.
Dr. Firestone embodies the ethos of service, having volunteered in more than 25 missions along the East Coast with Remote Area Medical and Missions of Mercy. He also provides free care to patients referred by Donated Dental Services and monthly dental care to adults with physical and emotional needs at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson.
Frank Barnashuk, DDS, of Buffalo, NY, was honored with the 2024 Mark J. Feldman Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding service and commitment to NYSDA, where he has contributed more than two decades of continuous work to the state association.
Dr. Barnashuk completed his fifth year as NYSDA secretary-treasurer last year. He has also served as NYSDA trustee, member of the audit committee, liaison to governmental affairs, and liaison for membership and communication.
In addition to his work with NYSDA, Dr. Barnashuk has also been active with the American Dental Association (ADA), where he is the chairman of membership insurance and retirement programs. Further displaying his commitment, he was an ADA house delegate or alternate delegate for 19 years.
Dedicated to education and mentorship, Dr. Barnashuk was the director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the University of Buffalo for ten years and a faculty member for 24 years.
NYSDA congratulates both Dr. Firestone and Dr. Barnashuk for their recognition and thanks them for their continued service.
About the New York State Dental Association
The New York State Dental Association, founded in 1868, is one of the largest state constituents of the American Dental Association and represents more than 60 percent of dentists practicing in New York State. Founded in 1859, the American Dental Association is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world and serves as the leading source of oral health-related information for dentists and their patients.
