IDA Awards Outstanding IUSD Faculty

19 Jun IDA Awards Outstanding IUSD Faculty

Each year, the IDA awards outstanding faculty at IUSD for their innovation, hard work and significant contributions to the field of dentistry. Congratulations to our 2025 recipients! Both are pictured below with 2025-26 IDA President Dr. Rebecca De La Rosa and IUSD Dean Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch.

IDA Outstanding Faculty Award

This year’s winner of the IDA Outstanding Faculty Award, Dr. Wei-Shao Lin, has earned this distinction because he has proven to be an outstanding teacher, mentor, and researcher. Dr. Lin was described as an exceptional educator, mentor, and leader, someone who has made a lasting impact on both the DDS and graduate education at the dental school. He has been instrumental in promoting student success and opportunities, particularly through efforts to integrate digital technology into the curriculum and modernize clinical training. Dr. Lin is known for his unwavering support of faculty development, mentoring junior colleagues, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. His leadership has strengthened the institution and inspired a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Beyond IUSD, Dr. Lin is internationally recognized for his contributions to the profession through research and global collaboration, further elevating the school’s reputation.

IDA Outstanding Teacher Award

This year’s IDA Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awardee, Dr. Scott Conley, has made a profound impact on IUSD and the broader dental profession. Trained in dentistry in the eastern United States and completing advanced education in the central part of the country, he has mentored more than 25 dental and graduate students in research, fostering the next generation of scholars and clinicians. His scholarly contributions are equally impressive, with over 30 original peer-reviewed publications and nearly two dozen book chapters to their name. Dr. Conley’s work has reached audiences across the globe, with more than 110 invited presentations delivered at local, regional, national, and international venues. In the past four years alone, Dr. Conley has secured $12,400 in research funding, advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning in meaningful ways. His leadership has also been instrumental in shaping the academic experience for students, through thoughtful curricular innovations and a commitment to student success that aligns with the university’s IU 2030 Strategic Plan. Beyond the classroom and clinic, he has served in key leadership roles. In these roles, he has championed the ideals of lifelong learning, supported institutional growth, and elevated the reputation of our institution on a national scale. Dr. Conley is a compassionate colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a tireless advocate for excellence. His contributions have strengthened our school, inspired our students, and advanced the profession of dentistry.