Colorado dentist chosen to head AAWD

Laura J. Murcko, D.M.D., of Littleton, CO, has been chosen as head of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) for 2010.

"As someone who comes from a family of dentists and physicians, I am especially aware of the importance of the need for collaboration among medical and dental professionals to benefit the overall health of our patients," Dr. Murcko said in a press release. "One of my key goals will be to focus on ways that AAWD can foster this cooperation and to educate our members on the importance and benefits of this collaboration."

Dr. Murcko will succeed Dr. Stephanie Houseman of Jerseyville, IL. Dr. Houseman remains on the 2010 Board of Directors as the immediate past president and, on January 1, 2010 will take the office of president of the AAWD's charitable foundation, Smiles for Success.

Members of AAWD's 2010 Executive Committee include:

• President -- Laura J. Murcko, D.M.D., Littleton, CO
• President-Elect -- Judith Belitz, D.D.S., Omaha, NE
• Immediate Past President -- Stephanie Houseman, D.M.D., Jerseyville, IL
• Vice President -- Jennifer Cornell, D.D.S., Clarksville, TN
• Secretary -- Mary Beth Aichelmann-Reidy, D.D.S., Baltimore, MD
• Treasurer -- Tawana Ware, D.D.S., Nashville, TN