By Hanna Singh
Dr. David Murphy of Johnston and Murphy Dental Care was recently honored for his significant contributions to the youth in the community. The Lincoln Rotary Club awarded Murphy the Youth Advocate of the Year Award in recognition of his “Give Kids a Smile Day” program.
Each year, The Youth Advocacy Award is given to a dedicated Rotarian who had made the most substantial impact on the community youth through programs, mentorships or events. Through Murphy’s annual “Give Kids A Smile Day”, Johnston and Murphy Dental provides children in the area with free dental care and dental education annually. Ruston Rotary Club President, Victoria Sullivan, praised Murphy for his commitment to serving the children of the Ruston community.
“This Rotarian is a dedicated member of his community. Always volunteering and giving his knowledge, time and resources to anyone who asks him for it,” Sullivan said. “We are so thankful that he brought an idea to our club several years ago to serve underserved children in our area regarding dentistry.”
Co-owner of Johnston and Murphy Dental Care, Dr. Lamar Johnston described his experience in working with Dr. Murphy and with “Give Kids a Smile Day”.
“Dr. Murphy has worked with me for 4 years. He has always had a vision and desire to reach out and help others using dentistry as a platform,” Johnston said. “Give Kids a Smile Day was his idea to reach out and help our community. An average of 45 kids per year are not only receiving care but are also being taught how to prevent dental decay and gum disease. Dr. Murphy’s passion to help others is a true reflection of who he is.”
Through his years in dentistry, Murphy has not only provided dental care to hundreds of children in Ruston area but has also played a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding many predental students as they embark on their careers. Through shadowing opportunities and internships, Murphy has educated and prepared future dentists with encouragement and patience. Harlie Robinson, a Johnston and Murphy Dental Care employee and predental student, expressed her gratitude to Murphy for his mentorship over the years.
“I learned so much under Dr. Murphy during my time as a shadow, intern and employee. I am very thankful for his kindness and willingness to teach me everything he could during my time at JMDC,” Robinson said. “I would not be where I am today, in dental school, without his mentorship, support and friendliness over the years. Even though Dr. Murphy is the professional with many more years of experience, he never made me feel like I was anything less than him. He would treat me as an equal and someone who will hopefully soon join his same profession.”
The annual “Give Kids A Smile Day”, hosted by Johnston and Murphy Dental Care, brings in children from around Lincoln Parish to receive free dental care and participate in education stations to learn about dental hygiene. This year, 43 third grade students attended, each receiving dental checkups and cleanings. Murphy shared his appreciation for everyone who was involved in providing these services for children, that led to the award.
“It’s an honor to have been awarded the Youth Advocate of the Year Award for our annual Johnston and Murphy Dental Care ‘Give Kids A Smile Day’,” Murphy said. “Truthfully this award recognizes the contributions of many people, without which we could not possibly host the event. I am proud to live and work in a community that steps in to help any way that they can when a need is identified.”
Murphy thanked Johnston and Murphy employees, volunteers for the Lincoln Rotary Club, the Louisiana Tech Pre-Dental Society and ULM Dental Hygiene School for their contributions to the event. Dr. Murphy will continue to make a difference in the community by hosting the “Give Kids A Smile Day” for many years to come.
