A Hero in Our Midst—Frank Schiano Honored by the MDS
Dr. Frank Schiano, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine alum (CAS 01, DMD 06, AEGD 07), was recently recognized as a William McKenna Volunteer Hero by the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), a statewide organization serving nearly 5,000 member dentists. Dr. Schiano was acknowledged by his peers for substantial contributions to organized dentistry at both the state and local district levels.
“I have so many positive experiences volunteering. I meet so many nice people and make lifelong friends,” said Dr. Schiano. “Professionally, it provides a great network of colleagues who trust that what I think and do is for the benefit of everyone. I also enjoy getting others involved, especially younger dentists and students.”
Dr. Schiano, who has been practicing dentistry for eight years, has served as a Guest Board Member of the MDS and participated in the Society’s Leadership Institute Program. As current Chair of the MDS Boston Collaborative Group—an offshoot of the MDS Metropolitan District Dental Society that aims to expand involvement and increase diverse representation in organized dentistry for Boston dentists through educational programs, community service events, and collegial networking—he assists member dentists in planning community service events with organizations like Rosie’s Place and Habitat for Humanity. For the past four years, Dr. Schiano has also traveled to Teacapan, Mexico, with a team of volunteers and dental students from Project STRETCH to provide education and free treatment for children. He is also a mentor to dental students and new dentists.
“It is faculty like Dr. Schiano who make our Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine the excellent institution that it is,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “Dr. Schiano embodies the qualities of service and dedication to oral health that make us great. Congratulations to Dr. Schiano for this achievement.”
The Volunteer Hero award is given in memory of the late Dr. William H. McKenna, who was a driving force behind the development of the Yankee Dental Congress, New England’s largest dental meeting, and considered by many to have been a model of volunteerism within the MDS.