Dr. Craig Amundson Receives the NADP Gabryl Award, Dental Benefits Industry Top Honor
The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) is pleased to announce that Dr. Craig Amundson has been honored with the dental benefits industry’s highest honor, the Gabryl Award. The award recognizes long-term, exceptional volunteer service that advances the dental benefits industry. NADP presented the award on Sept. 16 during the general session at CONVERGE, the association’s annual conference.
Dr. Amundson had been a leader in the dental benefits industry for more than 20 years. His contributions stretched back to his early service on NADP’s Provider Practice Capacity Initiative in 2004, and his impact continued through his long-standing role on the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA).
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.
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.
For his dedication, leadership, and passion for quality improvement, NADP was proud to honor Dr. Craig Amundson with the 2025 Gabryl Award.