School of Dentistry
2008 Alumni Merit Award Recipient
Ray A. Lyons, DDS'79
April 25, 2008
Dr. Ray A. Lyons has been called the epitome of a Creighton University School of Dentistry graduate. Not only has he excelled in his chosen profession, he lives the Ignatian values of giving back to others. For someone who could have gone anywhere and have a lucrative practice, Ray decided to return to his roots in New Mexico and focus on the poor and disabled who need dental care.
As chief of special needs dental services at the New Mexico Department of Health –Los Lunas Community Program, Ray has managed the oral health care of patients with complicated medical conditions and multiple disabilities. At the same time, he has served as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of New Mexico Dental Programs. He is a member of New Mexico Governor’s Oral Health Council and has lectured nationally and internationally on the care of patients with disabilities.
Through the years, he has held many dental leadership positions including national president of the Special Care Dentistry Association, national president of the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, to mention a few.
He has also been honored for his many contributions. He is the 2001 recipient of the Harold Berk Award from the Federation of Special Care Organizations in Dentistry for exemplary contributions to the advancement of oral health care for persons with disabilities. New Mexico Dentist of the Year and Healthcare Practitioner of the Year are only two of his many honorary titles.
While at Creighton, he was dental school student body president and vice president, received the Alpha Omega Scholarship for the highest scholastic average in his dental school class, and earned the Spirit of Creighton Award.
For contributions to his profession and community, the Creighton University School of Dentistry is proud to bestow on Dr. Lyons its 2008 Alumni Merit Award.
