2025 Gabryl Award Nominees - National Association of Dental Plans

Four Outstanding Volunteers Nominated for the 2025 Gabryl Award

In celebration of significant, long-term volunteer contributions advancing the dental benefits industry, the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) will honor four leaders Sept. 17 with Gabryl Award nominations during CONVERGE 2025, in Indian Wells, California.

The Gabryl is the NADP lifetime achievement award given to volunteers with six or more years of service that makes a lasting impact on the dental benefits industry. The 2025 nominees for this prestigious award include:

Dr. Craig Amundson, HealthPartners
Jeremy Hedrick, Careington International
Kathy Larkin, DenteMax
Jeff Schwab, Dominion National

“Having four worthy nominees for Gabryl Award demonstrates the high caliber of NADP volunteers who contribute to the success of our association and industry,” said NADP Board Chair Donna Hunter, United Concordia Dental.

The nominees will be honored during the CONVERGE Opening Session on Sept. 16. The recipient of the Gabryl Award will be announced Sept. 16 as well during at CONVERGE. Please join NADP in congratulating these impressive Gabryl nominees!

Dr. Craig Amundson

Dental Quality Alliance

Dr. Amundson was nominated by the Clinical 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.

Dr. Craig Amundson

Dental Quality Alliance

Dr. Amundson was nominated by the Clinical 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

Medicare and Medicaid Measures

Dr. Amundson's contributions extend beyond committee leadership. He has played a key role in developing and adopting DQA Measures for both Medicaid and Medicare, ensuring that these critical programs benefit from robust, evidence-based quality measures. Additionally, his advocacy for dental quality measures in the commercial market has further expanded the impact of these initiatives.

Dr. Amundson began his volunteer service in 2004 as a member of the Provider Practice Capacity Initiative. He has represented the dental benefits industry at the Dental Quality Alliance since its inception in 2009.

In 2005, Dr. Amundson joined the Professional Relations Commission. Through a series of volunteer group restructures, he has continued his service in the various Clinical groups, including service as vice PRC Clinical WorkGroup chair from 2012-2017 and Clinical WorkGroup chair from 2017-2019. He served on the NAPDP Board of Directors from 1995-1997 and the Professional Relations Commission in 2005. He continues to be a member of the Clinical and Diagnostic Sub-WorkGroups today.

His dedication to knowledge sharing is evident through his active participation in NADP Conference sessions and webinars, where he has shared his expertise and passion for dental quality measures with a broad audience. Dr. Amundson has also contributed insightful articles to the NADP newsletter, further disseminating valuable information and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in dental care.

Dr. Amundson's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to dental quality measures make him an outstanding candidate for the NADP Gabryl Award. His leadership and innovative contributions have significantly advanced the field, benefiting dental practitioners and patients.

Jeremy Hedrick

Careington International

Jeremy Hedrick was nominated by the Research Commission and Communications WorkGroup for his profound impact on NADP and the industry including:

Chair of the Future of Dental Care Access Task Force:

As Chair of the Future of Dental Care Access Task Force, Jeremy has led invaluable discussions that have provided crucial insights and direction for NADP. He is currently spearheading discussions with the American Association of Dental Office Managers focused on gaining feedback on how industry practices are perceived by dental office managers. His leadership has been key in addressing the operational challenges faced by a critical industry business partner.

Jeremy Hedrick

Careington International

Jeremy Hedrick was nominated by the Research Commission and Communications WorkGroup for his profound impact on NADP and the industry including:

Chair of the Future of Dental Care Access Task Force: As Chair of the Future of Dental Care Access Task Force, Jeremy has led invaluable discussions that have provided crucial insights and direction for NADP. He is currently spearheading discussions with the American Association of Dental Office Managers focused on gaining feedback on how industry practices are perceived by dental office managers. His leadership has been key in addressing the operational challenges faced by a critical industry business partner.

Board Liaison to the DSO Advisory Council:

As the board liaison to the DSO Advisory Council, Jeremy has enhanced communication between this group and the Board of Directors. DSOs highly value his involvement, which they see as a significant benefit to their engagement with NADP.

Additional Volunteer Service on Operations WorkGroup:

Jeremy's volunteer service on the Operations WorkGroup has brought a unique perspective to the Board of Directors that was previously unrepresented. He spearheaded NADP’s discussion with the Association of Dental Service Organizations, which has a led to an ad hoc workgroup of three plan and three DSO representatives, regarding a suite of materials on value-based models that will be presented at CONVERGE.

Direction to NADP Staff During Executive Director Transition

Jeremy Hedrick demonstrated exceptional leadership during a critical transition period when NADP was without an executive director. His steady hand, strategic vision and continuous communications ensured continuity and progress, making him an indispensable leader.

In conclusion, Jeremy’s extensive contributions, leadership, and commitment to NADP make him an outstanding candidate for the Gabryl Award.

Kathy Larkin

DenteMax

Kathy was nominated by the Communications 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.

Kathy Larkin

DenteMax

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.

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.

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 on the industry. GRW wholeheartedly supports Kathy's nomination and believes she embodies the spirit and purpose of this prestigious award.

Jeff Schwab

Dominion National

Jeff was nominated by the Education Commission and Communications and Membership WorkGroups. His leadership has provided key insights in promoting NADP as the voice of the industry and providing key industry resources for members and their constituents.

Chair of the Communications Workgroup:

As Chair of the Communications WorkGroup, Jeff steered:

Development of the org section of the NADP website, which promotes the contributions of dental benefits to employers, consumers and the media. This website section is often cited by members as a valued resource.
NADP’s digital advertising campaign focused on loss ratios.
Improved collaboration among volunteer groups regarding their communications needs by asking various Communications volunteers visit additional volunteer group meetings at Leadership Conference or CONVERGE and report back ideas and requests.

Jeff Schwab

Dominion National

Chair of the Communications Workgroup:

As Chair of the Communications WorkGroup, Jeff steered:

Development of the org section of the NADP website, which promotes the contributions of dental benefits to employers, consumers and the media. This website section is often cited by members as a valued resource.
NADP’s digital advertising campaign focused on loss ratios.
Improved collaboration among volunteer groups regarding their communications needs by asking various Communications volunteers visit additional volunteer group meetings at Leadership Conference or CONVERGE and report back ideas and requests.

Strategic insight in developing new mission, vision and value statement

As a member of the Board, Jeff was instrumental in providing strategic insights in updating the NADP mission statement to focus on improving consumer access to dental benefits.

In conclusion, Jeff was and is a champion for issues affecting the dental benefits industry. He has earned his spot 10-fold as a Gabryl Nominee.

NADP will present the Gabryl Award at the conclusion of the Opening General Session Sept. 16 at CONVERGE 2025.