The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) and the Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society are pleased to announce Boston dentist and resident Mina Paul, DMD, MPH as the 2022 William McKenna Volunteer Hero.
A member of the Boston District Dental Society with a general dental practice in Boston, Dr. Paul has volunteered in a variety of capacities with the MDS but made her mark as Chair of the MDS Governance Reform Task Force where she spearheaded governance reform at the MDS.
Under Paul’s direction, the Task Force proposed changes to the Board of Trustees and House of Delegates. The proposal included revisions to the terms of office and adjustments to the overall governance structure. The goal of these changes was to create a nimbler organization.
“When the House of Delegates approved the Task Force’s proposal for reform, it was a very emotional moment because we had all worked so hard for that change and growth for the organization,” Dr. Paul shared. The MDS completed the transition phase of this multi-step reform process in 2021. But, as Dr. Paul said, “this is a fluid process that will be continually reevaluated and assessed.” This transition was one of Paul’s proudest volunteer moments with the MDS.
Since 1996, the MDS and the Journal have recognized member dentists who have dedicated their enthusiasm, talents, and time to the MDS and organized dentistry as the William McKenna Volunteer Heroes.
This recognition, named in honor of the late Dr. William McKenna—one of the founders of the Yankee Dental Congress and a model of volunteerism within the Society—is the Society’s way of thanking those members who go above and beyond to help the MDS achieve its goals, inspire colleagues, and advance the dental profession.
“Dr. Paul has been instrumental in establishing and implementing the reorganization and restructuring of the Massachusetts Dental Society’s governance,” shared Dr. David Becker, one of Paul’s nominators. “She was an avid communicator with membership and leadership educating them on all changes throughout the governance reform process. She has also been tireless in working for Massachusetts dentists and patients in her capacity as a Board of Registration in Dentistry member and Chair, dental school educator, and provider of community dental care services.”
In addition to her work with the Task Force, Dr. Paul helped establish the MDS Boston Dental District which provides a pathway for the successful outreach and engagement of all dentists in the Boston area.
A member of the Society for 35 years, Dr. Paul has also served on several of the MDS committees. Most notably Paul was a member of the MDS Board of Trustees for five years and offered guidance and mentorship to younger MDS member dentists in their career paths. “Dr. Paul’s contributions to the MDS have changed the organization for the better,” her colleague and award nominator Dr. David Becker expressed.
About the Massachusetts Dental Society
The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), a professional association representing 5,000-plus member dentists and a statewide constituent of the American Dental Association, is dedicated to the professional development of its member dentists through initiatives in education, advocacy, the promotion of the highest professional standards, and championing oral health in the Commonwealth.
For more information, visit massdental.org, and follow the MDS on Twitter @MassDental.
