Washington dentist Raymond Damazo, DDS, who has been providing humanitarian dental care in Africa and South America for more than 45 years, will receive the 2014 ADA Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Damazo, from North Bend, WA, has worked in remote villages along the Amazon and has developed a mobile clinic that provides free, modern care to people living in the bush areas of Kenya and Tanzania, according to the ADA.
In his book, Safari Dentist, Dr. Damazo describes traveling and working throughout Africa, including near-misses by charging elephants, the demands of an oft-married Masaai warrior, and the skills required to keep his rolling operatory going, according to the Washington State Dental Association.
The award recognizes dentist members who have distinguished themselves by outstanding, unselfish leadership and at least a 10-year commitment to their fellow human beings in the field of dentistry, through the dedication of extraordinary time and professional skills to improve the oral health of underserved populations in the U.S. and abroad.
ADA President Charles H. Norman III, DDS, will present Dr. Damazo with the award at the group's annual meeting in San Antonio in October. He will receive a $5,000 donation to the dental charity or project of his choice and a bronze statue.
