PITTSTON, PA — February 13, 2015 — Overcoming obstacles, reducing errors, and succeeding under pressure — fighter pilots and dental industry professionals share more in common than one might expect.  At the upcoming The Lucy Hobbs Project^® 3^rd Annual Celebration Honoring Exemplary Women in the Dental Community, outstanding leaders in both fields will share the stage in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as lessons learned on their paths to success.

As keynote speaker for the June event, Carey Lohrenz, the first female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy, will describe her journey of fearless leadership as a pioneer in military aviation.  Her story serves as a contemporary parallel to Lucy Hobbs, who, in 1866, became the first American female to earn a degree in dentistry. Dr. Hobbs was denied access to education based on her gender, but persevered to learn dentistry through apprenticeship, and eventually graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery.

“Often times you are told no… we’ve never done it that way, it’s not going to change.  Well, you know what? Sometimes you’ve got to just keep pushing on the system. Because the system told me for years ‘There is no place for you here,’ and you have to keep pushing and saying ‘I’m going to find a way,’” said Lohrenz. “Sometimes you just need to step out and do it. You need to get your gear on and get in the cockpit. No matter how many people tell you no or that it can’t be done or we’re not doing this… go out and do it.”

On June 4 and 5 at The Lucy Hobbs Project^® 3^rd Annual Celebration, the awards, named for Dr. Hobbs, will be presented to honorees in the industry who help lead the charge for women in dentistry and embody the project goals. Created by Benco Dental, The Lucy Hobbs Project^® empowers women in dentistry to drive change and deliver success through networking, innovation and giving back. Free to join, the project aims to bring women together from all facets of the dental industry  — dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, receptionists, sales representatives and others — for networking opportunities, educational programs and charitable events.

“The highlight of the celebration, to me, is always the award winners. Hearing their acceptance speeches, experiencing the powerful nature of their words is uniquely inspiring,” said Julie Radzyminski, Director of Business Innovation for Benco Dental, the largest privately-owned dental company in the United States.Complete profiles of the 2014 honorees are featured in Incisal Edge, a lifestyle magazine for dental professionals, which can be accessed at this link:
https://viewer.zmags.com/publication/636592a9.

Throughout the celebration, attendees will be hosted to events at the National Museum of Dentistry and Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, including a Continuing Education opportunity, courtesy of Benco Dental and event sponsors: Kavo Kerr Group and P&G Crest + Oral B. Presenters will include keynote speaker Lohrenz, educator Dave Weber, and practitioner and American Ninja Warrior contestant, Dr. Desiree Walker.

PITTSTON, PA — November 24, 2014 — From operatory to laboratory, a new generation of women is changing dentistry. The Lucy Hobbs Project, powered by Benco Dental, aims to recognize these revolutionaries with six awards that celebrate their distinctive talents.

Slated to take placeat the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, June 4 – 5, 2015, the Lucy Hobbs Project Annual Celebration Honoring Exemplary Women in the Dental Community will honor those who are setting new benchmarks in the dental profession and beyond. The annual event, named for the woman who, in 1866, became the first American female to earn a degree in dentistry, will recognize and award industry professionals whose achievements mirror those established by Lucy Hobbs.

Beginning now, through the January 16, 2015 deadline, Benco Dental encourages people across the country to nominate women in dentistry who they view as an inspiration to others. Six categories for consideration include:

• Woman to Watch: An up-and-coming leader who utilizes her position to create positive change in the industry.
• Industry Icon: A trailblazer who is consistently recognized and admired for her work in the dental industry.
• Mentor: An advisor who recognizes the importance of supporting, educating and encouraging others.
• Innovator: A groundbreaker who demonstrates a willingness to implement new technologies and business processes without fear of potential failure
• Humanitarian: An altruist who works tirelessly for a charity or cause that benefits the well-being of others.
• Clinical Expert: A skillful practitioner who embraces advancements and adeptly integrates them into patient care.

PITTSTON, PA – October 2, 2014 – The Phoenix. A butterfly. These mythological and natural beings undergo remarkable transformations, much like clients of Smiles for Success and YWCA of Nashville 2616 who secure skills and dental care needed to gain employment in todays marketplace.

A Lucy Hobbs Project Give Back event scheduled to take place Friday, October 3, in Nashville, Tennessee, aims to inspire women in dentistry to encourage, uplift and assist other women in their communities to strive for success. Hosted by Benco Dental at Ellendales Restaurant, at 2739 Old Elm Hill Pike, from noon to 2 p.m., the event will offer a unique opportunity to become involved in making a change in someones life. Representatives from The YWCA of Nashville 2616 and Smiles for Success will discuss the programs they provide which help re-establish self-confidence in the lives of their clients.

A light afternoon luncheon will be available at the event. Members of the dental industry are invited at no charge, but each attendee is asked to bring a gently used outfit to benefit YWCA of Nashville 2616, an on-trend, exclusive retail boutique. For details regarding this event or to register, visit LHPnashville2014.eventbrite.com.

An entrepreneurial business, 2616 generates revenue to help fund the YWCAs much needed community services. Located at 2616 Gallatin Pike, in the heart of East Nashville, the YWCA of Nashvilles 2616 boutique features womens clothing, shoes and accessories.

Named for the woman who, in 1866, became the first American female to earn a degree in dentistry, The Lucy Hobbs Project inspires women in the profession to drive change and deliver success through networking, innovation and giving back. Dr. Hobbs, denied access to education because of her gender, learned dentistry with the assist of a mentor, through apprenticeship, and eventually graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery. Free to join, the project aims to bring women together from all facets of the dental industry. To sign up for The Lucy Hobbs Project, visit: lucyhobbs-wpengine-com-lucyhobbs-wpengine-com.thelucyhobbsproject.benco.com

The release below was featured in The Northeast PA Business Journal!

PITTSTON, PA – June 19, 2014 – Barely taking a break for breath during a courageous share session at The Lucy Hobbs Project 2^nd Annual Celebration Honoring Exemplary Women in the Dental Community in Orlando, keynote speaker Liz Murray reaffirmed the underlying message of the event to her audience: Never underestimate your role as a mentor.

The author of New York Times bestseller Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard, credited her adviser, the tenth in a string of teachers she approached for help, with empowering her to return to high school in the Bronx after a lifetime of chronic truancy. Then a homeless teen, Murray responded to a steady stream of challenges presented by her teacher to overcome paralysis by analysis and take immediate action to reach her goals and connect with those in her community.

Are you willing to do your part? asked Murray of the more than 150 in attendance June 6 at The Lucy Hobbs Project 2^nd Annual Celebration. Her query resonated in the Osceola Ballroom at the Omni Championsgate, following the presentation of awards to seven women whose ongoing contributions to the dental industry illustrated an overwhelming yes.

Those who bear witness daily to the professional dedication of the honorees welcomed them to the stage, including colleagues, staff, friends and mentors.

The highlight of the celebration, to me, is always the award winners. Hearing their acceptance speeches, experiencing the powerful nature of their words is uniquely inspiring, said Julie Radzyminski, Benco Dental Director of Business Innovation.

She referenced this years Lucy Hobbs Award recipients: Joan Austin (1931-2013); Karen Gear, DDS, Vineyard Haven, Mass.;
Mary Hartigan, DDS, Jacksonville, Florida; Maria Maranga, DDS, Aquebogue, NY; Terryl A. Propper, DDS, MS, Brentwood, Tenn.; Katti Webb Simpson, IPDH, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; and Kaaren G. Vargas, DDS, PhD., North Liberty, Iowa.

The awards, named for the woman who, in 1866, became the first American female to earn a degree in dentistry, recognize professionals whose achievements mirror those established by Lucy Hobbs. Dr. Hobbs was denied access to education based on her gender, but persevered to learn dentistry through apprenticeship, and eventually graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery.

These seven honorees — pioneers for change — help lead the charge for women in dentistry and embody the project goals.Complete profiles of the honorees are featured in the summer edition of Incisal Edge, a lifestyle magazine for dental professionals, which can be accessed at this link: https://viewer.zmags.com/publication/636592a9.
Coverage of The Lucy Hobbs Project 2^nd Annual Celebration Honoring Exemplary Women in the Dental Community will appear in the fall edition of Incisal Edge, set to publish in September. For details, visit: https://www.benco.com/incisaledge/

Powered by Benco Dental, The Lucy Hobbs Project is a national, long-term program which empowers women in dentistry to drive change and deliver results through three pillars: networking, innovation and giving back. Free to join, the project aims to bring women together from all facets of the dental industry for networking opportunities, education programs and charitable events.

Representing the American Association of Women Dentists, Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, accepted a $10,000 donation from The Lucy Hobbs Project to Smiles For Success, an organization that provides free dental work to women re-entering the workforce after surviving a personal setback.

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to professional headshots and three Continuing Education opportunities, courtesy of Benco Dental and event sponsors: KaVo Kerr Group, Crest, OralB, Heraeus Kulzer, OnPharma, Hu-Friedy, Microflex and Sunstar Americas Inc. Presentations in the areas of finance, trends in dentistry, and social media, were directed by Teresa Gast, CPA, Eric S. Solomon, DDS, MA, and Crystal Washington, respectively.

Hired by companies including Google, Microsoft and GE when they want their teams to take action online, author and internationally – acclaimed expert Crystal Washington tailored a discussion on social media specifically to the dental professionals in attendance. For those who participated in Orlando and want to continue the discussion, or professionals who were unable to attend, The Lucy Hobbs Project will offer a Virtual Innovation Meeting July 11 at 11 a.m.: Social Media Part II during which Washington will outline the cultures of the largest social networks and the best way to use them; discuss how age and other demographics affect your social media strategy and explain how those in the dental industry can best use her expert tips for increasing engagement.

Upcoming regional events in the marketplace include: