Two dentists from the OU College of Dentistry, Paul S. Tiwana, D.D.S., MD, MS, FACS, division head of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department, and Phoebe L. Vaughan, D.D.S., director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, were named Fellows in the American College of Dentists, the oldest major honorary organization for dentists.

American College of Dentists members have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contribution to dentistry and society. The two, along with seven OU College of Dentistry alumni, were honored at a convocation ceremony at the American College of Dentists annual meeting in San Francisco.

Only about 3.5% of dentists in the United States are chosen as Fellows in the American College of Dentists. Fellowship is bestowed only if the accomplishments of the nominee are truly outstanding end epitomize excellence.

Membership in the American College of Dentists is by invitation only and is based on a proven, confidential, peer-review system that has remained intact since its founding. A Fellow’s credentials may be reflected in professional organizational involvement, dental education, dental research, dental journalism or other areas.

Additionally, candidates must be members of the American Dental Association or an equivalent foreign organization if applicable. There is also an ethical component to Fellowship, where the candidate must be of good moral character, and have a reputation for ethical conduct and professional standing that is unquestioned.