Awards
The MDA regularly honors members of the dental profession who have given back to their communities and their profession in ways that are exemplary. Each year the MDA recognizes members for their commitment to the field of dentistry and to the association, based on nominations made by the district dental societies. View this handout for further information, eligibility and entry guideline requirements.
2025 MDA Honorees
Stephen Shuman D.D.S. – Guest of Honor
James Omlie, D.D.S. – New Dentist Leadership Award
Matthew Hutchinson, D.D.S. – Humanitarian Service Award
Peter Cannon, D.D.S. – Outstanding Service Award
Tricia Carlson, D.D.S. – President’s Award (2024)
Stephen Shuman
2025 MDA Guest of Honor
Dr. Stephen Shuman received his dental degree from Temple University and completed his Fellowship and MS degree in Geriatric Dentistry from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He joined the University of Minnesota faculty in 1989 and is now professor and director of the school’s Oral Health Services for Older Adults Program as well as director of the Division of Hospital and Special Care Dentistry. He also serves on the faculty for the school’s Special Healthcare Needs Clinic and the University’s HRSA-funded Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Expansion Program.
As an educator, Dr. Shuman has been a mentor to countless students and colleagues, instilling in them a commitment to excellence, compassion, and service. His influence continues to extend widely through the achievements of his former students who carry his values into clinics, communities, and classrooms. His contributions, character, and unwavering dedication to advancing the field of dentistry and expanding access to care are exemplary.
Dr. Shuman served on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry for 10 years and was president of that organization from 1998-99. He currently serves as chair of the Oral Health Workgroup for the Gerontological Society of America and chair of the Minnesota Dental Association’s Barriers to Care Committee. His teaching and clinical programs have been recognized nationally and at the state and local levels, including the American Dental Association’s national Geriatric Oral Health Award and the 2016 Innovation Award from LeadingAge, the national association of over 6,000 non-profits representing the entire field of aging services. He is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and only the eighth dental professional to be inducted as a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of professionals working in aging research, education, policy, and practice.
Dr. Shuman has shown an exceptional commitment to advancing dental care and improving access to services for underserved populations. Through his work, he has highlighted and advocated for solutions to bridge these gaps, emphasizing a commitment to equity and inclusivity within the profession. Dr. Shuman’s contributions have significantly shaped policy and practice, leading to an environment where underserved communities are given priority within the MDA’s mission. Currently serving as chair of the MDA Barriers to Care Committee, he consistently plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the obstacles that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing quality dental care.
Dr. Shuman is an advocate for dementia-friendly dental practices, an area of growing importance as the population ages. His efforts to develop and promote best practices for treating patients with dementia demonstrate his dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care. Through education and policy initiatives, he has worked to ensure that dental practitioners across Minnesota have the knowledge and the tools to provide effective and empathetic care to those affected by dementia. His leadership in this area reflects his holistic approach to dental health, recognizing the complex needs of these patients and their families.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Stephen Shuman on being selected as the 2025 MDA Guest of Honor.
James Omlie, D.D.S.
2025 New Dentist Leadership Award
Shortly after completing his undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Saint Thomas, Dr. James Omlie began classes at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, graduating with honors in 2013. After graduation, his pursuit of further education led him to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2019. During his time in Pittsburgh, Dr. Omlie also attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, earning his Medical Degree in 2017.
Dr. Omlie’s educational and professional journey speaks volumes about his dedication to the dental profession. His diverse training background, which includes a year in general surgery, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of complex surgical procedures and interdisciplinary patient care.
Dr. Omlie’s contributions to the field extend beyond his clinical work. During his residency, he actively engaged in clinical and scientific research, focusing on resorbable fracture/orthognathic plating systems and evidence-based approaches to managing medically complex patients. His dedication to advancing the profession is reflected in his authorship of two chapters in “Perioperative Management of the Maxillocacial Patient,” a valuable resource for the field. In addition, his presentation at an American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) annual meeting demonstrated his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue on best practices within the specialty.
Dr. Omlie is a member of the Minneapolis District Dental Society’s executive council and has served as co-president of the Twin Cities Oral Surgery Club, underscoring his leadership qualities as well as his dedication to professional service. He has also served as a delegate at several Minnesota Dental Association House of Delegates meetings and is deeply committed to supporting his peers and advancing the field. His clinical interests, which range from orthognathic reconstrutive surgery and dental implant reconstruction, to maxillofacial trauma, pathology, and anesthesia, exemplify the breadth of his expertise and his drive to provide comprehensive, high-quality patient care.
Beyond his technical skills, Dr. Omlie demonstrates a profound dedication to his patients and colleagues alike. His commitment to evidence-based care and ongoing education sets a high standard for those around him, inspiring both current and future practitioners.
The Minnesota Dental Association is pleased to honor Dr. James Omlie with the 2025 New Dentist Leadership Award.
Matthew Hutchinson, D.D.S.
2025 Humanitarian Service Award
Dr. Matthew Hutchinson received his dental degree in 2005 from the prestigious University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where he distinguished himself academically and developed an early passion for oral surgery. Following dental school, he completed a general practice residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where he gained valuable, hands-on experience in comprehensive dental care and trauma management. Eager to further expand his surgical skills, Dr. Hutchinson pursued advanced surgical training at Alameda County Medical Center in Oakland, California, honing his expertise in complex oral and maxillofacial procedures.
Today, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Hutchinson exemplifies the highest standards of clinical excellence in his field. He brings to his patients not only exceptional technical proficiency but also a deeply rooted sense of compassion and commitment to their well-being. His approach to care is characterized by precision, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes.
Since joining Saint Paul Oral Surgery in 2010, Dr. Hutchinson has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving the greater Twin Cities community. His clinical focus includes outpatient anesthesia, correction of maxillofacial deformities, and specialized care for pediatric patients and individuals with special health care needs. His devotion to treating these vulnerable populations reflects his belief that access to quality oral surgery should be universal, regardless of a patient’s age, ability, or circumstances. In doing so, he directly advances the mission of the Minnesota Dental Association to promote oral health and ensure equitable access to care across the state.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Hutchinson has established himself as a tireless advocate and leader within the dental profession. He maintains active involvement in numerous respected professional organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Minnesota Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, the American Dental Association, the Minnesota Dental Association, and the Saint Paul District Dental Society. Through these affiliations, he continually seeks opportunities to contribute to the advancement of his specialty, engage in meaningful professional development, and mentor the next generation of dental professionals. His commitment to collaboration and lifelong learning has earned him the admiration of his colleagues statewide.
Dr. Hutchinson’s passion for service extends far beyond the walls of his practice. He has selflessly volunteered for numerous dental missions, providing critical care to underserved populations and helping to alleviate the burden of untreated oral diseases. His dedication to community service is further evidenced by his longtime role as a delegate representing the Saint Paul District Dental Society in the Minnesota Dental Association’s House of Delegates, where he served from 2013 through 2021. Additionally, he has been an enthusiastic volunteer for the Give Kids a Smile program, bringing much-needed dental care and education to children who might otherwise go without.
A compassionate leader, an inspiring role model, and a steadfast advocate for patient-centered care, Dr. Matthew Hutchinson embodies the spirit of humanitarianism in every aspect of his work. In recognition of his extraordinary dedication to improving lives through both his clinical excellence and his community service, the Minnesota Dental Association is proud to present Dr. Hutchinson with the 2025 Humanitarian Service Award.
Peter Cannon, D.D.S.
2025 Outstanding Service Award
Dr. Peter Cannon grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, showing a consistent and steadfast commitment to his home state and its communities. Earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, he made the move to Minneapolis to complete his education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Upon earning his DDS degree, Dr. Cannon began his career as a dentist in downtown Saint Paul, practicing on Robert Street for nearly 40 years before joining the Saint Paul Dental Center in 2023. His ties to the Saint Paul community, as well as to Minnesota, run deep.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cannon has served in numerous leadership roles within organized dentistry. His positions include serving as president of the Saint Paul District Dental Society, president of the Minnesota Dental Association, and, for over a decade, serving on the Advisory Committee of the Health Professionals Services Program. His leadership and influence extends beyond state lines, too, as he has served as a delegate to the American Dental Association’s House of Delegates. In each of these roles, Dr. Cannon has championed initiatives that prioritize ethical practices, professional development, and improved access to care for all Minnesotans.
Dr. Cannon’s contributions to the MDA and the broader dental profession have been both profound and transformative. He served as a member of the MDA Executive Committee from 2012 to 2016, becoming MDA president from 2015-2016. He also served as chair of the MDA’s Board of Dentistry Task Force from 2012-2015, and again from 2017-2018.
Perhaps his most inspiring legacy is his dedication to the wellness of his peers. A member of Minnesota Dentists Concerned for Dentists, Dr. Cannon has supported countless colleagues struggling with addiction, offering both empathy and guidance. His award-winning article in Northwest Dentistry, “When the Walls Come Tumbling Down,” is a powerful account of his own struggles and it continues to inspire and uplift those facing similar challenges. Candid and open, he offers a beacon of hope for those who may feel isolated by their personal battles, reinforcing that recovery is achievable.
Dr. Cannon is a true community servant. He has volunteered his time and expertise to the Minnesota Mission of Mercy, providing critical dental care to underserved populations. In addition, he has served as a youth coach for the Saint Croix Valley Lacrosse Association. Most recently, he was appointed to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, where he continues to guide the profession with integrity and wisdom.
Dr. Peter Cannon’s lifetime commitment to service, dedication to the dental profession, and profound impact on colleagues, patients, and the greater community are exemplary. The Minnesota Dental Association congratulates him on his selection as the 2025 Outstanding Service Award recipient.
Tricia Carlson, D.D.S.
2024 President’s Award
Each year the current MDA President has the distinct honor of choosing the one member whom he or she believes stands out amongst all others. Always a challenging decision to make, the president nevertheless carefully considers the various services each member has provided to the association and to the profession and chooses accordingly. Dr. Rose Perpich has announced her decision to honor Dr. Tricia Carlson with her President’s Award.
Dr. Perpich has this to say about her decision:
Dr. Carlson discovered her calling while traveling with her parents on short mission trips to Africa, where she shadowed a dentist. I first met Tricia as a classmate. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1997, joining the Tripartite that same year. Dr. Carlson has always been a huge supporter of organized dentistry and never hesitated to support the many times I threw my name in the hat for organized dentistry. I distinctly remember her statement on one occasion. I don’t remember if I was heading to the capital for Lobby Day, a news interview, or another evening meeting. She said with a smile, “That’s great! It is important and I am glad there are people like you who want to do it. I will cover the office.”
She has been a rock in our office for me, both personally and professionally. She is my private cheerleader who supports my time at the MDA. So many times we have met in our office, laughed, and cried. Don’t get me wrong — all partnerships have their differences in opinion. It is like a marriage. She is the humble support, the one who has graciously served Donated Dental Services patients in our office. The one who does pro bono work for children that pull at her heartstrings. I won’t see kids for all the money in the world; she sees the kids and I see the geriatrics. Anyone in this room knows when one person is out of the office, someone is filling in the gap.
There are many ways we complement each other. I could not ask for a better business partner. We both bring different leadership skills but share core values.
Dr. Carlson not only volunteers her dentistry and supports after calls for Mission of Mercy, she also spends countless hours giving her time leading the “Young Lives Group” at her church. She has raised three beautiful children, cared for her parents and, I am sure Paul agrees, is a perfect wife.
Dr. Carlson is committed to furthering her education with the Spear Education Study Club and graduated from the Kois Center for Dental Excellence. She pushed me toward digital dentistry and has truly been an inspiration for leading a good, down-to-earth life. She is an example of what we all strive for and is an inspiration to our young doctors and our profession. We all, as professionals, no matter what our practice modality, can lift each other up.
Thank you, Tricia, for allowing me to serve in organized dentistry and for being a doctor I am proud to call my partner.
The MDA congratulates Dr. Tricia M. Carlson on her selection as the 2024 President’s Award recipient.