During the 160th Midwinter Meeting, the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) honored Joseph Hagenbruch, DMD, and Mark Lingen, DDS, PhD, for their extraordinary contributions to the field of dentistry. Hagenbruch was presented with the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Vision Award, while Lingen received the Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. These awards recognize their outstanding dedication to scientific advancement, philanthropic service, volunteerism and their tireless commitment to improving oral health care.
“We are deeply honored to recognize Dr. Joseph Hagenbruch and Dr. Mark Lingen for their exceptional contributions to dentistry,” said Dr. Denise Hale, CDS President. “Their commitment to advocating for underserved communities and dedication to advancing the dental profession is admirable. These awards are a recognition of the significant influence they've had on their peers, patients, and the future of dental care.”
The CDS Foundation Vision Award is presented to those whose commitment to volunteering, enhancing access to dental care, and fostering dental education in underserved communities demonstrates the highest levels of integrity, honesty and public trust in the profession.
In addition to maintaining a private practice in Harvard, Illinois, Hagenbruch serves as the Dental Director for the Family Health Partnership Clinic (FHPC) in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The FHPC plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare to uninsured and under-insured individuals, offering critical services to those who might otherwise be unable to secure the care they need. As dental director, Hagenbruch oversees a team of volunteer healthcare professionals, ensuring that individuals in need receive the dental care they deserve.
Hagenbruch’s dedication to the dental profession spans over 37 years, having graduated from Washington University School of Dental Medicine. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as president of the Illinois State Dental Society, the Illinois Academy of General Dentistry, and the McHenry County Dental Society. Additionally, Hagenbruch was an Eighth District Trustee for the American Dental Association (ADA) from 2010 to 2014 and has contributed to several significant committees within the ADA, including the Council on Dental Benefits Programs and the Dental Procedural Code Revision Committee.
A Fellow in several prestigious dental organizations — including the International College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American College of Dentistry — Hagenbruch is a widely respected leader in the field. His contributions extend beyond his own practice, as he has also served as a commissioner for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and as a dental examiner for the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments since 2004.
Hagenbruch is deeply involved in his community, serving as a long-standing member of the Harvard Chamber of Commerce, the Harvard Lions Club, and the Harvard American Legion Post 265. He remains committed to making a difference in his community and continues to inspire future generations of dental professionals through his service, leadership, and dedication to the field.
The Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award, named in honor of Christensen, is presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to dentistry and the Midwinter Meeting.
Lingen, the latest recipient of the Christensen award, is a professor of pathology and medicine at The University of Chicago. He completed his dental school training, oral and maxillofacial pathology residency and PhD in cellular and molecular pathology at Northwestern University.
Throughout his career, Lingen has made significant contributions to the field of oral cancer care, including the development and clinical application of adjuncts and tests for oral cancer screening. His leadership role on the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs (CSA), has supported evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation of potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity. As both a member and Chair of CSA Expert Panels, he has provided recommendations that improve the clinical approach to oral cancer screening, equipping dentists and healthcare providers with tools to more effectively identify and treat these conditions.
Apart from his teaching role at The University of Chicago, Lingen is a sought-after speaker and expert in his field. His research contributions and dedication to advancing the study of oral and maxillofacial diseases have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including research funding through National Institutes of Health (NHI) grants and multiple published research studies.
Lingen is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology and is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Royal College of Pathologists. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of dental professionals and sharing his knowledge and experience with students and colleagues.
The Midwinter Meeting, the signature annual event of CDS, brings together world-renowned speakers, hundreds of leading exhibitors, and thousands of dental professionals from across the globe to create one of North America’s premier gatherings in the dental industry.
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