MATANZO
COLUMBUS — Dr. Thomas Matanzo received the 2022 Ohio Dental Association Joseph P. Crowley Distinguished Dentist Award Sept. 16 at the Callahan Celebration of Excellence, held in conjunction with the 156th ODA Annual Session.
“Thomas is a kind and honest man. He has been led by his faith to serve his family, his patients, his profession and most importantly, himself,” wrote Drs. John Kramer and Joseph De Palma in their nomination letter. “He is generous with his time, quick to laugh, listens to really hear and speaks his truth. When any dental issues arise in the area or around the state or national, the membership looks to Thomas for guidance. His patients trust him and value that their needs are most important to him. He is a dentist’s dentist. For the past 35 years, few have represented our profession with such honor. Matanzo would be a worthy honoree for this award.”
Matanzo earned his DDS degree from Ohio State University in 1985. After graduation, he moved to his wife’s hometown of Steubenville and practiced with his father-in-law for two years before opening his own practice next door.
He has been involved in providing pro bono work to help people who have been involved in human trafficking. He said providing dentures and other care helps them present to job interviews and get out of their previous lifestyle.
“I volunteer to help them at no cost just to get them back on their feet and away from that lifestyle that they had no choice in,” he said. “Helping them to free themselves is very fulfilling.”
Matanzo has also served as a Give Kids A Smile Day coordinator and Dental OPTIONS provider, where in both roles he helps provide dental care to underserved populations.
He as been active in organized dentistry including serving as president of the Ohio Dental Association and on several councils, committees and task forces. He has served as chair of the Council on Membership Services, Annual Session Committee, Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and ODA Services Corp.
He also has served as president and secretary/treasurer of the Eastern Ohio Dental Society and as vice chair of the American Dental Association Council on Membership. He has served as a delegate to the ADA and ODA House of Delegates.
Matanzo is a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He received the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Father Dan Egan Award in recognition of a distinguished career in medicine or science in 2006.
The Joseph P. Crowley Distinguished Dentist Award is the ODA’s most prestigious award. It is given to a leader in the profession committed to the advancement of dentistry who is dedicated and committed to organized dentistry at the local, state and national level.
