The Distinguished Service Award, IDA’s highest award, is given annually to acknowledge a member who has rendered distinguished service to the IDA and the profession of dentistry. This year’s recipient is Dr. Zach Kouri (Des Moines). 

Dr. Kouri has a long history of service to organized dentistry. He was the Des Moines District Dental Society President in 2011, Des Moines District Dental Society Trustee from 2016 to 2019, IDA officer from 2019 to 2023, IDA President from 2022-2023, and has served on multiple IDA committees, and is the current Co-Chair of the IDA Wellness Committee. He is also the Iowa Dental Foundation President and Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM) Clinic Co-Chair.

His true passion is making people smile. Whether with his colorful humor and infectious laugh, or his work on behalf of dental missionaries, IMOM, and daily in his office, Dr. Kouri makes people smile. Please join us in recognizing Dr. Zach Kouri for his dedication to organized dentistry and the practice of dentistry in Iowa and abroad.

The 2024 IDA Awards were presented on Friday, May 3, during the President's Dinner at IDEAS24 in Coralville. Nine recipients were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the profession of dentistry. Each awardee will be featured in upcoming editions of the IDA Today.