Thompson named GHDS President’s Award recipient

Michelle ThompsonDDS,sistant professor and director of digital dentistry at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, has been named a recipient of theGreater Houston Dental SocietyPresident’s Award.

The award recognizes individuals who have made an impact during the GHDS president’s year of service. Thompson was announced as one of three society members to receive the distinction during the GHDS Installation and Awards Banquet May 20 at Vincent’s Italian Restaurant in Houston. She received the award in July during the 2021 Star of the South Dental Meeting in Houston.

“The first recipient of the President’s Award has a true servant’s heart,” said Kathy L. O’Keefe, DDS, past president of GHDS. “[Dr. Thompson] told me at the beginning of the year that she would serve wherever she was needed most. She was true to her word and was always available to assist with any project I needed help with.”

During the 2020-21 academic year, Thompson held a variety of roles with GHDS. She served as the society’s secretary and treasurer of the board, was the board liaison for the Communications Committee, liaison for the Star Council, and attended all Diversity and Inclusion Committee meetings.

Thompson joined the full-time faculty at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry in 2019 after serving five years in a part-time role. She received a doctorate in dental surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C., in 2012 and completed a two-year general practice residency at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry in 2014.

A recent recipient of the Texas Dental Association’s2021 Rising Star of the Lone Star Award, Thompson is active in organized dentistry and holds appointments with the American Dental Association, TDA, GHDS, and Hispanic Dental Association. She is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Education Association, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, and Houston Academy of General Dentistry.