McMaster, Pafford Named Dentist of the Year Arizona Dental Association Says Choosing One "Impossible"


Scottsdale AZ, March 14, 2007: During its 2007 Western Regional Dental Convention at Phoenix Convention Center March 8-10, the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) named Douglas E. McMaster, DDS (Tucson) and Gregory M. Pafford, DDS (Phoenix) "Dentist of the Year." The selection was made by the AzDA Board of Trustees comprising dentists from all areas of the state based upon "outstanding contributions to the profession of dentistry in Arizona."

The awards were presented at the AzDA Dental Team Luncheon on March 9 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix. Master of Ceremonies was AzDA President 2006-2007 Michael R. Thompson, DDS (Scottsdale). He was assisted by Special Guest Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, who handed out plaques. "This year, choosing one person for the award was impossible," said Dr. Thompson. "Two dentists emerged for their unwavering integrity, leadership, passion for making a difference and old-fashioned, roll-up-their-sleeves, jump-in-with-both-feet hard work."

A native of Los Angeles, Dr. McMaster maintains a private practice in General Dentistry. He received his dental degree in 1981 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. For the past two years, he has chaired the AzDA Council on Dental Education, a committee charged with planning the annual convention and other educational conferences. Of his service, Dr. McMaster said: "I have a newfound appreciation for the way organized dentistry works and for the amount of time our volunteer leaders put in. It is truly amazing." When he’s not working or volunteering, Dr. McMaster enjoys golf, photography, sailing and ballroom dancing with his wife.

Dr. Pafford, 2006 recipient of the Healthcare Hero Award from the Business Journal-Phoenix, is also an alumnus of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, earning his degree in 1986, and maintaining a private practice in General Dentistry. He has a long and distinguished history of service with AzDA and its component, the Central Arizona Dental Society (CADS), of which he was President in 2002-2003. When the American Dental Association introduced a national effort to bring dental care to underserved children known as "Give Kids A Smile Day" in 2003, Dr. Pafford agreed to chair it on behalf of CADS and has done so ever since. "My father taught me the value of helping others," he said, "and children are my passion. But make no mistake, I benefit more than the children do, and I could not do it alone. I am blessed with tremendous support from my fellow dentists, AzDA and its component societies, dental supply companies and many others. It’s a concerted effort."

Available for interviews, Dr. McMaster can be reached at (520) 327-0990 and Dr. Pafford can be reached at (602) 264-3234.