2024 Gabryl Award Nominees - National Association of Dental Plans

Four Outstanding Volunteers Nominated for the 2024 Gabryl Award

The NADP Gabryl Award is the dental benefits industry’s greatest honor. This lifetime achievement award celebrates long-term volunteer contributions that advance the dental benefits industry. This year, NADP is proud to announce four extraordinary volunteers have been nominated for this prestigious award.

The 2024 Gabryl Nominees are: Dr. Craig W. Amundson, HealthPartners, Inc.; Jeremy Hedrick, Careington International; Dr. Mark Jurkovich, HealthPartners, Inc.; and Kathy Larkin, DenteMax.

The nominees were honored during the CONVERGE Opening Session on Sept. 24, 2024.

Please join NADP in congratulating these impressive 2024 Gabryl nominees!

Dr. Craig Amundson

HealthPartners

Dr. Amundson was nominated by the Codes Sub-WorkGroup (SWG) for his dedication to advancing dental quality measures has been exemplary and transformative for the field.

Chairing DQA Measure Development and Maintenance Committee

Since receiving the Don Mayes Leadership Award in 2017, Dr. Amundson has chaired the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) Measure Development and Maintenance Committee, where his leadership has been pivotal. Under his guidance, the committee has achieved significant milestones, notably:

In 2022, he was instrumental in developing two oral healthcare quality measures specifically for pregnant persons. These measures are crucial for improving maternal oral health outcomes and have set a new standard in dental care for this vulnerable population.

In 2023, he spearheaded the committee’s consideration of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach and commitment to incorporating patient perspectives into quality assessments.

Jeremy Hedrick

Careington International

Jeremy Hedrick was nominated by the Research Commission and Communications WorkGroup for his profound impact on NADP and the industry in his service as chair of the Board of Directors and Future of Dental Care Access Task Force, including:

Providing Direction through multiple NADP Leadership Transitions

Jeremy demonstrated exceptional leadership during numerous transitions within NADP’s executive team. His steady hand and strategic vision have ensured continuity and progress, making him an indispensable leader in the organization.

Dr. Mark Jurkovich

HealthPartners

Dr. Jurkovich was nominated by the Codes Sub-WorkGroup for extensive contributions and unwavering commitment to improve oral health standards, Child Core Set Measures and diagnostic terminology. He has continued to accomplish great strides for the dental benefits industry since receiving the Don Mayes Leadership Award in 2022.

Serving on the DQA Executive Committee

Dr. Jurkovich's role on the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) Executive Committee has been instrumental in shaping the future of dental quality measures. His leadership and expertise have driven significant advancements in dental care quality, ensuring that standards are both rigorous and achievable. His contributions to the committee have helped develop and implement measures that improve patient outcomes and streamline care processes.

Kathy Larkin

DenteMax

Kathy was nominated by the Government Relations WorkGroup for continued leadership, strategic insight and analysis of state issues and advancement of NADP government relations objectives. Her dedication and service to advancing the dental benefits industry are exemplary, and her contributions have profoundly impacted our industry.

Kathy leads the GRW Bill Analysis Sub-WorkGroup, which monitors hundreds of critical state issues, including network leasing, virtual credit cards, rate filings, teledentistry, and more. The following highlights her contributions.

Read More About Kathy Larkin

Leadership in the GRW Bill Analysis Sub-Group

Kathy has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the GRW Bill Analysis Group. Her ability to lead discussions, analyze legislative proposals, and provide strategic insights has greatly contributed to the group's success. Kathy's leadership has been pivotal in piloting innovative approaches to bill analysis, setting a high standard for future initiatives.

Insight on State Network Adequacy Laws and Regulations

Kathy has been a valuable resource in providing and sharing critical insights on state network adequacy laws and regulations. As new laws and regulations are introduced or adopted, Kathy's expertise ensures that the dental benefits industry is well-informed and prepared to adapt. Her contributions have been essential in maintaining the industry's compliance and operational efficiency.

Work on the Washington Rate Filing SWG

Kathy's involvement in the Washington Rate Filing SWG was instrumental in shaping the state's regulatory landscape for dental benefits. Her deep understanding of rate filing processes and her ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements have been invaluable. Kathy's efforts have ensured that the dental benefits industry remains compliant while advocating for fair and reasonable rate structures.

Outstanding Service in Advancing GRW Objectives

Kathy's outstanding service is evident in her unwavering commitment to advancing the GRW's objectives. Her participation and input have been critical in addressing key legislative items affecting the dental benefits industry across multiple states. Kathy's ability to provide insightful analysis and recommendations has helped shape legislative outcomes that benefit both the industry and consumers. Her service has advanced the goals of these groups and set a benchmark for volunteers to aspire to.

A fellow GRW volunteer and co-worker notes, “She is a huge proponent of NADP and the value it brings not only to our organization but to the dental benefits industry. Kathy is always ready to volunteer her time, talents, and wisdom when the need arises (and sometimes before it arises).”

In conclusion, Kathy Larkin's exceptional contributions to the dental benefits industry make her a deserving candidate for the NADP Gabryl Award. Her work, leadership, and dedication have significantly advanced the industry's goals and have left a lasting impact.