Area dentists honored for their work

The McHenry County Cooperative Dental Clinic had a little more to smile about last week as its director, Diane Metrick, DDS, and founder, Joseph F. Hagenbruch, DDS, received the "Healthy Smiles Hero" award from Lt. Governor Pat Quinn as part of Healthy Smiles Week, Oct. 8-12.

Presented at the University of Illinois Chicago, College of Dentistry in Chicago, Oct. 12, Dr. Metrick was honored for her dedication to serving rural and under served residents of McHenry County.

Dr. Hagenbruch, a Harvard resident and longtime advocate for oral and dental health, received his award Oct. 10 at the Michael J. Howlett Building in Springfield.

Hagenbruch is past-president of both the McHenry County Dental Society and Illinois State Dental Society, and currently serves on the American Dental Association Council on Dental Benefit Programs.

Quinn presented awards to 24 exceptional dentists for their commitment to improving and maintaining the oral health of residents in parts of the state where they are needed the most.

The McHenry County Cooperative Dental Clinic is a partnership between the McHenry County Department of Health and the McHenry County Dental Society.

Located at 237 Main St. in Woodstock, the clinic has served McHenry County's low-income residents since 1996 providing oral examinations, basic restorations and preventive hygiene services.

For details, visit www.mcdh.info.