Massachusetts Dental Society Announces 2020 William McKenna Volunteer Hero

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.—September 15, 2020—The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) and the Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society are pleased to announce North Andover dentist and Bradford resident Richard Lentini, DMD, as the 2020 William McKenna Volunteer Hero. A member of the Merrimack Valley District Dental Society with a general dental practice in North Andover, Dr. Lentini has volunteered in a wide range of roles with the MDS during his 50-plus years of membership.

Since 1996, the MDS and the Journal have recognized those member dentists who have dedicated their enthusiasm, talents, and time to the MDS and organized dentistry as the William McKenna Volunteer Heroes. This recognition, named in honor of the late Dr. William McKenna—one of the founders of the Yankee Dental Congress and a model of volunteerism within the Society—is the Society’s way of thanking those members who go above and beyond to help the MDS achieve its goals, inspire colleagues, and advance the dental profession.

"To us, Dr. Lentini has been a mentor and shining example of a volunteer who contributes in many ways without seeking high-level recognition or payback," wrote one of his nominators. "He has taught the value of personal contribution to organized dentistry and has done it quietly without fanfare."

In addition to his very active role in the Merrimack Valley District—where he has served as Trustee, Chair, Vice Chair, Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, and Editor—Dr. Lentini has also held positions at the state level, serving on the MDS Fiscal Planning, Trustee Selection and Nominations, and Access, Prevention, and Interprofessional Relations Committees. In addition, Dr. Lentini has volunteered at Yankee Dental Congress in a number of positions since the annual conference’s inception. He is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.