The IDA Outstanding Service Award is given to a dentist whose efforts have an impact on organized dentistry and the IDA. This year's recipient is Dr. Clark Stanford.

Since returning to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry as Dean, Dr. Clark Stanford has strengthened the partnership between the college and the association. This partnership created the IDA Student Lobby in 2023 and expanded it to the IDA Day on the Hill this year. He has instilled the importance of advocacy to the profession and the value of being a part of organized dentistry in dental students. Dean Stanford is an advocate for organized dentistry and a trusted resource to the ADA on academic and faculty issues. He is also a member of the ADA Public/Professional Action Group and engages with fellow members of the ADA 10th District during caucus meetings as an alternate delegate for IDA at the ADA House of Delegates. You will not see most of the work he does on behalf of organized dentistry next to his impressive listing of appointments, officer roles, and published research papers on his CV; however, the impact of his work on organized dentistry will be felt for generations.