MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Dr. Laura Eng was selected as the recipient of the Minnesota Dental Association 2013 Outstanding Service Award. She was honored by almost  9,000 dental professionals in attendance at the MDA’s annual convention, the Star of the North Meeting at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.

Throughout her 32 year career, her involvement in organized dentistry has focused on membership growth initiatives, including expanding benefits to members, advancing the role of women dentists, and mentoring dental students.

Dr. Eng graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1980 and has been actively involved in the tripartite dental association throughout her career. She has served on the ADA’s Council on Membership, has been chair of both the MDA and the Saint Paul District Dental Society (SPDDS) Membership Committees, has chaired the MDA Women’s Dentist Subcommittee and was the state chair for the ADA Tripartite Grassroots Membership Initiative. In addition, she has served on the SPDDS’s Executive Council, the Foundation Committee, the Honors Committee and as its President in 2005. She also created and led the SPDDS 505 Clubs to encourage collegial networking and camaraderie in a relaxed, social environment. For her extraordinary dedication and involvement with the profession, SPDDS honored Dr. Eng with its Outstanding Service Award in 2011.

Eng has also volunteered for many years at Union Gospel Mission, Give Kids a Smile, Donated Dental Services, and Mission of Mercy. She was also instrumental in helping to bring the Medical Teams International dental van to West St. Paul to serve low income patients.

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. You can learn more at www.mndental.org.