MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Dr. Kim Rauk of Alexandria was selected as the recipient of the Minnesota Dental Association 2013 New Dentist Leadership Award. She was honored by almost 9,000 dental professionals in attendance at the MDA’s annual convention, the Star of the North Meeting at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.

Dr. Rauk has been actively involved in organized dentistry at the district, state, and national levels. She has been a West Central District delegate to the MDA House of Delegates and an alternate delegate to the ADA House of Delegates, has served on the MDA Dental Education and New Dentist Committees, was a member of the Midwest Dental Benefits Board, and has promoted membership and participation in MDA events with dental students and new dentists. She has also encouraged student interest in dental careers at high school career fairs and through mentorship events at the Alexandria Technical College.

Rauk is an involved community member and volunteer as well.  She volunteers at Caring Hands Dental Clinic in Alexandria, at Give Kids a Smile and at area schools during Children’s Dental Health month. She has been a speaker and presenter at Leadership Alexandria, an Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce event, a long-standing member of the Lakes Area Professional Women, a member of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and a junior achievement and church volunteer.

She graduated in 2003 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and opened her practice in Alexandria the next year.

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. You can learn more at www.mndental.org.