Academy of Operative Dentistry: Award of Excellence

Dr Joel M Wagoner

It is indeed a great honor for the Academy of Operative Dentistry to present the Award of Excellence to Dr Joel M Wagoner. Joel was the unanimous choice of the Executive Council for 2006, for he truly exemplifies Excellence in his professional, family and civic life. A loving husband and father and an outstanding clinician, Joel's life is one of faithful love, illustrious service and professional merit. We are proud he is our 2006 winner.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Joel attended and graduated from Duke University. He then completed his dental degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with academic prowess, was tapped for membership in the scholastic honorary Omicron Kappa Upsilon and listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Following a tour of duty in the US Army Dental Corps, Joel entered the private practice of dentistry in Beckley, West Virginia. During his years in private practice, Joel has been a staunch supporter of organized dentistry and truly a leader in dental and civic enterprise. He served as President of the New River Dental Society and the Executive Council of the West Virginia Dental Association. He served as an instructor in the West Virginia Institute of Technology's School of Dental Hygiene, and, for many years, he served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Joel was a member of the dental staff of Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley. He also served as President of the Beckley Rotary Club and was a member of the Raleigh County Health Council. During the 1980s, Joel served as Pack Committee Chair and Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 80 in Beckley. He later served on the Board of Directors of the Beckley Community Concert Association and was Virginia Episcopal School Parent's Association President for two terms. Always active in his church, Joel served St Stephens Episcopal Church in Beckley as a choir member for 25 years and also serves as a Sunday School teacher, a vestryman and as Junior and Senior Warden of the Parish.

Joel's professional love is dentistry. Since moving his practice to Chapel Hill, he has been actively involved in dental study club work and in teaching at the University of North Carolina's dental school. An avid study club member, he has been a member of the George M Hollenback Operative Dentistry Seminar since 1977, serving as its President for an eight-year term.

Joel has presented table clinics before our Academy and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. The Hygienic Corporation selected Joel as the clinician to be featured in their dental rubber dam training videotape. He served as guest lecturer and mentor at the US Navy Operative Dental Study Club in 1993. Joel was one of the first in our profession to complete the certification program of the American Board of Operative Dentistry. He has been a member of our Academy since 1975, serving as its President in 1996, member of the Executive Council for many years and a Trustee of the Founder's Fund since 1991. In 1997, Joel was elected Treasurer of our Academy and has served with distinction, faithfully, in that role ever since. His dedication to excellence has led to memberships in the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American and International Colleges of Dentists. Joel honors us with his membership in our Academy, and we are thrilled to honor him this year.