The Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition (NAzOHC), whose mission is to improve the public's oral and general wellness with the focus on vulnerable populations through community partnerships, is pleased to announce Jonathon Robinson, DDS, as its 2024 Northern Arizona Oral Health Hero of the Year, presented by Delta Dental of Arizona. Dr. Robinson was given his award during the 2024 Northern Arizona Oral Health Hero of the Year Awards ceremony, which took place on March 1 at Health Choice Integrated Care.

"The Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition is honored and excited to name Dr. Jonathon Robinson this year's Oral Health Hero. Dr. Robinson has been a pillar of the Flagstaff dental community for more than 30 years, educating patients about the link between oral and systemic health in his practice while tirelessly giving his time to improve the health and wellness of the community,” says Peter Van Wyck, co-chair of NAzOHC and senior director of the northeast regional area for First Things First.

A past recipient of the Arizona Dental Association Dentist of the Year Award, Dr. Robinson led Cedar Family Dentistry from 1993 until his retirement in 2020. Beyond this, he served as a volunteer provider and co-director of dental services for the Sid Davis Memorial Dental Clinic at the Poore Clinic, a free-standing satellite clinic that meets the dental needs of community members who might not otherwise have access to care. In addition to leading the program with fellow local dentists, he also volunteered his time to provide restorative and oral surgery services to clinic patients in need.

Within the Northern Arizona community, Dr. Robinson also served as chairman of the Northern Arizona Dental Society Peer Review Committee for more than 20 years; chairman of the Northern Arizona Dental Study Club from 1995 to 2003; volunteer provider at North Country Dental Clinic; volunteer provider at multiple Northern Arizona Mission of Mercy events; volunteer provider for the Give Kids A Smile Program through the Arizona Dental Foundation; past treasurer of the Northern Arizona Network for Dental Excellence; and as a member of the Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition. As active in the dental field as the local community, Dr. Robinson is a member of the American Dental Association and the Arizona State Dental Association. He is a member and Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and served as a consultant for the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners for more than 20 years. Dr. Robinson was also a member of the House of Delegates to the Arizona Dental Association from 1998 to 2013 and a member of the board of directors for the Arizona Dental Association from 2012 to 2013.

Nominations for the 2024 award were open to individuals living and working in Coconino County who engage in raising awareness about the importance of oral health; actively support oral health across the lifespan; lead and organize oral health activities for the underserved, including but not limited to direct oral health services.

“Dr. Robinson is one of northern Arizona’s most tireless proactive providers, be it through his daily interaction with his patients for so many years; his dedication to advancing the profession through board participation and leadership; or his myriad philanthropic activities,” said Barb Kozuh, executive director, Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, which works across the state to improve the health and wellness of underserved populations. Northern Arizona partners include Flagstaff Medical Center, North Country Health Care, NAU School of Dental Hygiene, Coconino County Cooperative Extension, Northern Arizona Council of Government, Verde Valley Medical Center, and more. “This honor is more than well deserved; it is earned a hundred times over. We are grateful to Dr. Robinson for helping provide a path to healthier lives for everyone in the community.”

About Delta Dental of Arizona
Delta Dental of Arizona (Delta Dental) is a health and wellness company providing affordable dental and vision benefits to individuals, families and businesses throughout the state. Building on its reputation as the state’s largest and most experienced dental insurance provider, Delta Dental’s mission is to create a path to better health and wellness. Since 2010, Delta Dental of Arizona, through its Foundation, has given over $18 million to support oral health education, disease prevention and food assistance programs for underserved and uninsured communities across the state. For more information about Delta Dental of Arizona, visit http://www.deltadentalaz.com.